Walking Shakyamuni Buddha

Thailand

15th century

Bronze with traces of pigment

Minneapolis Institute of Art

A full-body bronze statue of a standing Buddha with traces of red pigment on its robe. The figure has a serene expression and is depicted with its right hand raised in a gesture of blessing or reassurance. This sculpture highlights the Buddha as a teacher of the people, walking peacefully yet radiantly with lowered eyes. The historical Buddha—born Siddhartha Gautama, but more commonly known in Buddhism as Shakyamuni (Sage of the Shakya Clan)—renounced his princely life at age 29 after becoming aware of the suffering inherent in human life. Upon attaining enlightenment, he devoted his life to teaching people throughout northern India about a means of escaping suffering—through a combination of wisdom and compassion. Sculptures of so-called Walking Buddhas, with an elegantly draped monastic robe and sinuous limbs, are a trademark of the