Sakyamuni Emerging from the Mountains. Wood with lacquer, gilding, and traces of color. Yuan dynasty, late 13th-early 14th Century. 11 3/4 x 8 1/8 x 6 1/2 in. ( 29.8 x 20.6 x 16.5 cm)-sight. 29.172. City of Detroit Purchase. Photo ©2012, Detroit Institute of Arts

“Sakyamuni, the founder of the Buddhist faith, is shown after fasting and meditating for six years in search of enlightenment. This work dates to China's Yuan Dynasty, a period renowned for exceptional realism and exquisite ornamentation. Sakyamuni's meditative pose, bearded face, and bald head are characteristic of the period and combine with Buddha's universal attributes — the monk's robe and forehead bump symbolizing spiritual awakening — to reveal a Buddha of profound peace and insight.” Graham W. J. Beal, Director, President and CEO