We acknowledge the Gadigal of the Eora Nation, the traditional custodians of the Country on which the Art Gallery of NSW stands.

Title

Manla, the Medicine Buddha

17th century-early 18th century

Artists

Unknown Artist

Alternate image of Manla, the Medicine Buddha by

  • Details

    Place where the work was made
    Mongolia
    Date
    17th century-early 18th century
    Media category
    Sculpture
    Materials used
    bronze, gold leaf, traces of pigment
    Dimensions
    24.0 x 17.0 x 12.7 cm
    Signature & date

    Not signed. Not dated.

    Credit
    Edward and Goldie Sternberg Chinese art purchase fund 2005
    Location
    Not on display
    Accession number
    321.2005
    Copyright

    Reproduction requests

    Share

  • About

    The Buddha sits on a double lotus pedestal. In his left hand he holds a medicine bowl brimming with the elixir of long life. Extended in the gesture of charity (varada mudra), his right hand contains a myrobalan fruit, a medicinal plant found in India and other tropical countries. The offering of the myrobalan symbolises his gift of protection from illness. Manla is said to dispense spiritual medicine when properly worshipped and devotees believe that merely touching his image has curative powers.

    Asian Art Department, AGNSW, September 2011

  • Places

    Where the work was made

    Mongolia

  • Exhibition history

    Shown in 6 exhibitions

  • Bibliography

    Referenced in 1 publication

  • Provenance

    Private Collection, 1970s-1980s, private European collection.

    Rossi & Rossi, 2005, London/England, purchased by the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, 2005.