The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Tree and Serpent: Early Buddhist Art in India, 200 B.C.-A.D. 400 is an exhibition aligned with the Foundation’s interest in activating art resources for broad non-sectarian learning of Buddhism and Buddhist art on the global stage. Through exploring the origins of Buddhist figurative sculpture in southern India, the oldest surviving Buddhist art in the world, the display will engage audiences through experiential learning and communicated the meaning of Buddhist art that inspires transcendence and deep understanding of Buddhism. Tree and Serpent will accompanied by a scholarly catalogue and an international symposium.

Stupa Drum Panel with Protective Serpent
Mahacaitya, Amaravati, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh
Satavahana, 2nd half of 1st century–early 2nd century A.D.
Limestone, 57 x 30 1/2 x 4 in. (145 x 77.5 x 10 cm) British Museum, London (1880,0709.39)
© The Trustees of the British Museum.