Buddhism
A religion and Philosophy. Founded by Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha.
Circumambulation
To walk around something
Edict Pillar
Built by Ashoka Mayura to maintain his royal standards
Samsara
The continuous cycle of life, death and rebirth
Nirvana
The achievement of enlightenment after which one no longer experiences samsara
Stupa
A domed building that houses relics of the Buddha
Torana
The gateway of a stupa
Yaksha/yakshi
A female spirit connected to the reproductive parts of nature
Muera
Hand gestures that depict different states of being
Syncretism
A merging of religious ideas, cultures, or schools of thought
Ushnisha
Cranial protrusion (enlightened state)
Urna
Mark on the forehead ( the third eye )
Nimbus
A circle around a figures head
Greco-Buddhist statues
Greek styles blended with Buddhist iconography
“The Great Departure” East Torana
Great stupa at Sanchi, India. 1st century BCE. Patrons: Local Ivory Carvers
Standing Buddha
Gandhara, Pakistán, 3rd century CE
Terracotta Soldier
China, c. 200 BCE. Patron: Emperor Qin (pro: chin) Shi Huangdi, Qin dynasty period
Jade Burial Suit
China, c. 115 BCE, Patron: Liu Shang, Han Dynasty period
Painted Banner of Lady Dai
China, c. 150 BCE, Han Dynasty period
Lacquer
The application of several coats of resin over a surface to create a hard but lightweight surface that can be painted, gilded, and/or carved
Calligraphy
Decorative handwriting or handwritten lettering
Silk
A fine, strong, luxurious fiber made from the cocoons of silkworms
Terracotta
Fired clay, used for Etruscan stationary and building
Statue of Apulu
Italy, c. 500 BCE, Etruscan
