diff --git a/jdk/src/java.desktop/unix/classes/sun/awt/X11GraphicsConfig.java b/jdk/src/java.desktop/unix/classes/sun/awt/X11GraphicsConfig.java
index 1b3c4fa2e23..27b97818dee 100644
--- a/jdk/src/java.desktop/unix/classes/sun/awt/X11GraphicsConfig.java
+++ b/jdk/src/java.desktop/unix/classes/sun/awt/X11GraphicsConfig.java
@@ -452,8 +452,12 @@ public class X11GraphicsConfig extends GraphicsConfiguration
     public VolatileImage createBackBufferImage(Component target,
                                                long backBuffer)
     {
+        // it is possible for the component to have size 0x0, adjust it to
+        // be at least 1x1 to avoid IAE
+        int w = Math.max(1, target.getWidth());
+        int h = Math.max(1, target.getHeight());
         return new SunVolatileImage(target,
-                                    target.getWidth(), target.getHeight(),
+                                    w, h,
                                     Long.valueOf(backBuffer));
     }