File:Seated Buddha presented to President John F. Kennedy by Jawaharlal Nehru (cropped).jpg

English: Date(s) of Materials:

11th century, Pala School Place Made: Bihar, India Medium: Date(s) of Materials:11th century, Pala School Place Made:Bihar, India Medium:Stone Dimensions:22" x 16" x 7" Description:Stone carving of Buddha seated under the Bodhi tree. His right hand touches the earth in the "Bhumi-sparsa" attitude calling the earth to witness the fact of the Buddhahood. This Buddha is wearing a crown, necklace and earrings designating him as the enlightened one destined to be king. He wears robes of a sanyasi, the symbol of his renunciation. Around the figure are depicted scenes from Buddha's life. The birth, the first sermon and the descent at Sankisa are on the right. On the left, Buddha is represented with a bowl of honey presented to him by a monkey at Vaisali, the first sermon again, the subjugation of the elephant Nalagiri, the elephant is represented as a small block near the feet. Above Buddha's head is the "pari nirvana" or the passing away of the Buddha" with mourners on either side and the stupa, the symbol of the Buddha's death is shown above him.

Historical Note:This sculpture was presented to President John F. Kennedy by Jawaharlal Nehru, Prime Minister of India (1947-1964), November 9, 1961 during the Prime Minister's state visit to the White House.