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Archive : Bronze Sculpture of the Buddha
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Bronze Sculpture of the Buddha - FZ.409b
Origin: Kampang Pet, Thailand
Circa: 16
th
Century AD
Dimensions:
11.625" (29.5cm) high
Collection: Asian
Style: Late Ayutthayan
Medium: Bronze
Additional Information: SOLD
Location: United States
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| Description |
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The establishment of the kingdom of Ayutthaya
in the middle of the 14th century and the change
of the political center of Thai power from
Sukhothai to Ayutthaya marked the beginning of
a new era of great cultural prosperity. Under
royal patronage, Buddhism flourished and
Ayutthaya became an important Buddhist center
of learning. The rulers of this dynasty, like the
rulers of the Sukhothai Kingdom, patronized
cultural and religious intercourse between Sri
Lanka and Thailand. As well, they encouraged
and supported the development and propagation
of Sihala Buddhism in Thailand.
This bronze sculpture of the Buddha conveys the
serenity associated with this great religious
figure. He is seated upon a throne forming the
Bhumisparsa mudra, or “gesture of touching the
earth.” This mudra portrays the Buddha taking
the earth as witness; it is a gesture of
unshakable faith and resolution. His eyes are
closed in deep meditation. An inner calm and
complacency is visible on his face and his sweet
smile. His ears droop down from the weight of
heavy ear ornaments, reflective of his aristocratic
past. The Buddha’s distinctive tightly curled
hairstyle is typical of Thai representations. A
flame of enlightenment rises from the top of his
ushnisa, a symbol of the Buddha’s infinite
wisdom. The sculptor has masterfully molded
the subtle folds of fat around his neck, again
indicative of the spiritual fullness and inner
peace embodied by the Buddha. Overall, this
exquisite sculpture beautifully memorializes one
of history greatest holy figures.
- (FZ.409b)
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