Preaching Buddha (Salt Lake City) Explained

Preaching Buddha is a bronze bas-relief sculpture located in the International Peace Gardens at 9th West and 10th South, Salt Lake City, Utah.^[1] Dedicated in 1965, the artwork, which measures approximately 35 x 18 x 7 inches (89 x 46 x 18 cm), depicts Buddha seated on a lotus blossom. It was presented by India's Ministry of Education to the International Peace Gardens.^[2] The sculpture is part of the Indian Garden section, promoting cultural understanding and world peace.^[2] It is set on a concrete base with a plaque detailing its dedication.^[3]

Description and history

The bronze bas-relief, which depicts Buddha on a lotus blossom, is set within a concrete base. Dedicated in 1965,^[1] the artwork measures approximately 35 x 18 x 7 in. A nearby plaque reads:

The sculpture's dedication was to coincide with Utah's Pioneer Centennial in 1947.^[4] However, World War II interrupted progress.^[1]

The artwork was surveyed by the Smithsonian Institution's "Save Outdoor Sculpture!" program in 1993.^[5]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Salt Lake City Public Lands Department . . slc.gov . Salt Lake City government . 17 Oct 2024 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240915224024/https://www.slc.gov/parks/parks-division/international-peace-gardens/ . 2024-09-15.
2. Web site: International Peace Gardens . Salt Lake City Public Lands Department . 20 July 2024.
3. Book: Mitchell, Donald W. . Buddhism: Introducing the Buddhist Experience . 2002 . Oxford University Press . New York . 978-0195139518 . 79.
4. Web site: The Pioneer Centennial Celebration Photograph Collection, 1947 . . 2005 . history.utah.gov . Utah State Historical Society . 17 Oct 2024 .
5. Web site: Preaching Buddha, (sculpture). . . 4 May 2021 . 28 April 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210428171159/https://siris-artinventories.si.edu/ipac20/ipac.jsp?&profile=ariall&source=~!siartinventories&uri=full=3100001~!316311~!0#focus . live.