Buddha Seated in Meditation
18th–19th century
Medium
SIlver, cast with base worked in repoussé
Dimensions
19.2 × 15.5 × 6.5 cm (7 1/2 × 6 1/8 × 2 1/2 in.)
Classification
silver
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
15596
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts Asia department, *Buddha Seated in Meditation* is a striking silver sculpture from the th–19th century Measuring a compact 19.2 × 15.5 × 6.5 cm, this intimate piece depicts the Buddha in a classic meditative pose, likely the dhyanasana, symbolizing enlightenment and inner peace. Crafted by an unknown artist its small scale suggests it was designed for personal devotion or a household altar, portable yet profoundly spiritual. The artwork's medium—silver, cast for the figure and with a base worked in repoussé—highlights exceptional metalworking tec...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...