Radiant Buddha

This rare, East Indian, metal statue of the Buddha is the only one of its kind in a public collection in Europe and was purchased jointly in 2003 by the British Museum and the V&A Museum. It is a 14” high copper alloy standing figure of the Buddha Sakyamuni which dates to the seventh century AD. The right hand is raised in a gesture of benevolent reassurance, reaffirming the Buddha’s role as the protector of devotees. Made in the Gupta style, it epitomises the peak of early Buddhist sculptural art and marks a significant period in the spread of Indian cultural influence throughout Asia.

A small selection of Buddhist works of art will be displayed at Exeter’s Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery to illustrate highlights from the historical Buddha’s life marked by the Eight Great Events or ‘Life Stories’ and scenes which illustrate the previous lives of the Buddha called ‘Jataka Stories’.

The Radiant Buddha exhibition will run until 14 April 2006.