South and Southeast Asian Art Images

Question 1

Title: The Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara
Location: Patna
Time Period: 12th century
Medium: Gilt-bronze
Artist: Pala Dynasty

Answer 1

1. Bodhisattva Our beings who are well advanced on the path to Buddhahood and who have vowed to help others achieve enlightenment
   - They forego Buddhahood until all others become Buddhas
2. Distinguished by princely garments, specifically recognized by the Lotus Flower he holds and by the presence in his crown of his “parent” Buddha
3. The artistic style perfected under the Palas became an influential international style throughout East and Southeast Asia
4. There is an important shift in the representation of the Buddha, shifting into Nepal and Tibet

Question 2

**Maybe in comparison to The French Ambassadors?
Title: Jahangir and Shah Abbas
Location: Washington, DC
Time Period: c. 1618
Medium: Opaque watercolor, gold, and ink on paper
Artist: Nadir al-Zaman

Answer 2

1. Not intended for public display Rather a diplomatic gift among nations with a positive relationship
   - A document or gift sent from India to the Persian court to establish and secure a connection and a network
2. There seems to be peace and unity but more importantly, there is a representation of power
   - i.e. Hierarchical scale, figures being centred, standing on territories as well as on a lion and a lamb