Tomb Guardian
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This case displays examples of figures in Buddhism who assist believers on the path to enlightenment. A pair of ceramic dvarapalas, or gate guardians, dressed as menacing warriors, were originally placed on either side of the doors or gates to a temple to ward off evil. The standing Bodhisattva represents a follower of Buddha who has become enlightened but intentionally delays nirvana in order to assist others in the quest. The Buddha, bodhisattvas, and other disciples are featured in the miniature stele on view, created as a votive gift in thanks for an answered prayer.
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Tomb Guardian
Maker
Chinese
DateTang dynasty, late 7th–early 8th century
GeographyChina, Asia
MediumUnglazed earthenware with unfired pigments and gilding
Dimensionsheight: 35 1/2 in. (90.2 cm)
Credit LineGift of Mrs. David M. Levitt (Norma Uttal, Class of 1937)
Object number1959.7
Status
On viewRightsCopyright is retained in accordance with U.S. Copyright laws
Photo creditDavis Museum at Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA
More InformationBuddhism was first introduced to China by missionaries from India during the first century C.E. (Han dynasty). As the first non-native religion to garner widespread support in China, Buddhism offered a new perspective on life and the afterlife than Confucianism and Daoism. Unlike its two predecessors, with their focus on the worship of ancestor spirits, it offered enlightenment to its followers. Mahayana Buddhists believed that anyone could reach nirvana through study of the life and teachings of the Buddha and with help from the bodhisattvas.
This case displays examples of figures in Buddhism who assist believers on the path to enlightenment. A pair of ceramic dvarapalas, or gate guardians, dressed as menacing warriors, were originally placed on either side of the doors or gates to a temple to ward off evil. The standing Bodhisattva represents a follower of Buddha who has become enlightened but intentionally delays nirvana in order to assist others in the quest. The Buddha, bodhisattvas, and other disciples are featured in the miniature stele on view, created as a votive gift in thanks for an answered prayer.
Classic Veracruz
1200-1500
Object number: 1986.169
Chinese
Tang dynasty, 7th-early 8th century C.E.
Object number: 2022.15
Chinese
Tang dynasty, early 7th century
Object number: 1944.23
Chinese
Tang dynasty, late 7th–first half of the 8th century
Object number: 2019.1200
Tibetan
19th century
Object number: 1968.79