Southern India, Andhra Pradesh, Nagarjunakonda / 200s CE
Veneration of the Buddha as a Fiery Pillar
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Veneration of the Buddha as a Fiery Pillar as sculpture (Southern India, Andhra Pradesh, Nagarjunakonda · 200s CE).
The acanthus leaves sprouting from the pillar echo Greco-Roman motifs.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this sculpture as limestone.
The museum's collection notes: At the bottom of this carved panel is the depiction of a pillar incised with cross-hatching and surrounded by a halo of flames. A stylized lotus and a pointed trident symbol marking good fortune and divinity crown the pillar. This image indicates the presence of the Buddha and underscores his superhuman qualities, including radiance and power to work magic. Two male figures hold fly whisks of honor on either side. Above is a golden pillar covered with jewels that the Buddha miraculously generated. Swirling leaves sprout from grooved disks at regular intervals, and celestial beings fly and dance in praise.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtVeneration of the Buddha as a Fiery PillarOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.