In the Buddhist art of Southeast Asia, two disciples are traditionally displayed flanking important representations of the Buddha. Their presence is historically inaccurate, considering that all of the Buddha’s friends had deserted him at the time of his enlightenment. However, it reflects a traditional (albeit probably historically inaccurate) belief that the religion was introduced into the region by two of his disciples during the Buddha’s lifetime. Here, a pair of disciples have been depicted kneeling on rectangular bases, meditating in quiet contemplation with their hands clutched together in prayer. They wear simple robes consistent with the monastic order. Originally, the pair would have been placed nearby a larger sculpture of the Buddha himself inside an ornately decorated temple. Disciples are always depicted slightly smaller than the Buddha in order to reveal their status as disciples. This lovely pair of gilt bronze sculptures has been modeled after representations of the Buddha, complete with the same drooping earlobes, creased necks, and spiky hair. - (X.0256)