JAVANESE BUDDHA ON VIEW AT SMITH COLLEGE MUSEUM

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NORTHAMPTON, MASS. — A large Javanese stone Buddha from the late Eighth or early Ninth Century is on extended loan to the Smith College Museum of Art from a private collection through next fall.

The figure, seated in meditation, is an example of a Buddhist sculpture from the flourishing period of the Sailendra dynasty of central Java.

With its mandorla (encompassing halo) and large lotus pedestal, the Buddha is carved from the dark volcanic stone typical of central Java, capital of the Sailendras, who built many fine Buddhist and Hindu temples.

The museum is on Elm Street at Bedford Terrace. For information, 413-585-2760 or www.smith.edu/artmuseum.