<em>Ascetic Shakyamuni</em>, 17th – 18th century. Wood with pigmented lacquer, inlaid crystal, metal, 8 1/2 x 6 1/16 x 7 1/8 in. (21.6 x 15.4 x 18 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the Asian Art Council, 88.145a-b. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: , 88.145a-b_threequarter_PS6.jpg)

Ascetic Shakyamuni, 17th – 18th century. Wood with pigmented lacquer, inlaid crystal, metal, 8 1/2 x 6 1/16 x 7 1/8 in. (21.6 x 15.4 x 18 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the Asian Art Council, 88.145a-b. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: , 88.145a-b_threequarter_PS6.jpg)

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Ascetic Shakyamuni

Asian Art

On View: Asian Galleries, Southwest, 2nd floor

At the age of 29, Siddhartha left the comforts of his palace to seek answers and spiritual solace. He cut his hair and removed his jewelry. He tried fasting as a way to test his dedication but the hunger distracted him from meditation. He would later preach “The Middle Path,” avoiding extremes of behavior in favor of focusing one’s thoughts on enlightenment. Images of the fasting Siddhartha promote this philosophy of moderation.

MEDIUM Wood with pigmented lacquer, inlaid crystal, metal

Place Made: Japan

DATES 17th – 18th century

PERIOD Edo period

DIMENSIONS 8 1/2 x 6 1/16 x 7 1/8 in. (21.6 x 15.4 x 18 cm) a - figure: 7 3/4 × 6 × 6 3/8 in. (19.7 × 15.2 × 16.2 cm) b - base: 1 × 6 1/4 × 6 1/4 in. (2.5 × 15.9 × 15.9 cm) (show scale)

COLLECTIONS Asian Art

ACCESSION NUMBER 88.145a-b

CREDIT LINE Gift of the Asian Art Council

EXHIBITIONS

MUSEUM LOCATION This item is on view in Asian Galleries, Southwest, 2nd floor

CAPTION Ascetic Shakyamuni, 17th – 18th century. Wood with pigmented lacquer, inlaid crystal, metal, 8 1/2 x 6 1/16 x 7 1/8 in. (21.6 x 15.4 x 18 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the Asian Art Council, 88.145a-b. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: , 88.145a-b_threequarter_PS6.jpg)

IMAGE 88.145a-b_threequarter_PS6.jpg., 2016

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RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY

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