
Earthenware votive tablet or tile with Buddha, from a Buddhist temple. Depicts the Buddha in earth-touching mudra, with around him the eight great events in the Buddha's life, three either side, above him the parinirvana and in the middle the enlightenment. 'The Nativity' is shown lower left - his mother reaching for a tree. These are clearly visible as is the birth. The other scenes are not so clear but should represent: the 'Parileyyaka retreat', 'Preaching the First Sermon', 'Subduing the Nalagiri Elephant', 'Descent from the Tavatisma Heaven', and the 'Twin Miracles'. At the bottom right is the Buddha's horse, and at bottom left his groom.