Section of a Coping Rail

Description

A coping rail is the top portion of a fence that connects the upright posts. Here, an undulating lotus rhizome blossoms with jewelry, and in the spaces between are scenes from two of the Buddha's past lives. At the left, a man catches and kills a lizard to eat it, and then lies about its running off (Godha Jataka); at the right an ascetic performs a Vedic fire sacrifice (possibly the Rajovada Jataka).

Provenance

Severance A. [1895-1985] and Greta [Marguerite Steckerl] Millikin [1903-1989], Cleveland, OH, given to the Cleveland Museum of Art (?–1972); The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (1972–)

Section of a Coping Rail

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c. 150 BCE

Accession Number

1972.366

Medium

sandstone

Dimensions

Overall: 30.5 x 122 cm (12 x 48 1/16 in.)

Classification

Sculpture

Museum

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Cleveland, United States

Credit Line

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Severance A. Millikin