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Prajnaparamita, Goddess of Wisdom

Sri Lanka, probably Polonnaruva

ca. late 8th–9th century

Not on view

Prajnaparamita, meaning “perfection of knowledge,” was an important cult divinity in Mahayana Buddhism during the later first millennium. She probably emerged from monasteries in southern India as a Buddhist counterpart to the Brahmanical wisdom goddess Lakshmi. Stylistically, this image is related to the late Polonnaruwa style of Sri Lanka, and bears witness to the role of Sri Lankan institutionalized Buddhism as an evangelizing force in late first-millennium Southeast Asia.

cat. no. 8

Prajnaparamita, Goddess of Wisdom, Copper alloy with traces of gilding, Sri Lanka, probably Polonnaruva — This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Title: Prajnaparamita, Goddess of Wisdom

Date: ca. late 8th–9th century

Culture: Sri Lanka, probably Polonnaruva

Medium: Copper alloy with traces of gilding

Dimensions: H. 5 7/8 in. (15 cm); W. 5 1/8 in. (13 cm); D. 2 3/4 in. (7 cm)

Classification: Sculpture

Credit Line: Lent by Victoria and Albert Museum, London (IS.21-1988)

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Asian Art at The Met

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