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24. Buddha Sakyamuni Thailand, Lan Na Kingdom early 16th c. bronze, cast in the lost wax method, fine patina with traces of lacquer and gilding height 58,5 cm. |
This fine temple image of Sakyamuni has been consecrated to the memory of the historical Buddha as a reminder of the great teacher and his doctrine. It represents one of the most significant episodes in the Buddha’s life; the moment he attained the state of enlightenment. With his right hand Buddha touches the earth, indicating the subjugation of Mara, the god of desire who had tempted the Buddha, and was the last obstacle in his attainment of spiritual perfection. Seated in virasana, his right leg resting on his left, Buddha holds his right hand in the bhumisparsamudra; his left hand rests in his lap in the gesture of contemplation. The ushnisa, the symbol which denotes wisdom, is depicted on top of his curly hair. Buddha is dressed in a monk’s robe with his right shoulder and arm bare. The elongated earlobes reflect his royal origins. Infiltrating from southeastern China, the Thais established themselves in separate independent states in the valleys of the four headwaters of the Chao Phraya, the Ping, Wang, Yom and Nan rivers. These constituted the Lan Na Kingdom which from its founding in the late thirteenth century to its capture in 1556 was one of the most powerful Thai states, rivalled only by Ayudhia. The cultural and political centre was the city of Chieng Mai, founded in 1327. Influenced by the Indian Pala style (with the intermediary style of Pagan), and by the style of Sukhothai, Lan Na stylistic characteristics are evident in the arched eyebrows, downcast eyes, contoured lips and chin with incised semi-oval line. Typical of the Chieng Mai style are the oval face, the small curls and the folded shawl of the sanghati which falls to the navel. Comparison with dated Buddha images bearing an inscription allows this sculpture to be dated to the beginning of the sixteenth century. This well-cast image of Buddha radiates a feeling of serenity, peace and harmony, revealing his state of spiritual enlightenment. A beautiful natural greenish patina complements the bronze, which is depicted with pure volumes, fine articulated lines and balanced proportions. The sculpture is a classic temple bronze of the Lan Na kingdom style and can be considered among the best examples of its kind. Provenance: Private collection Switzerland since 1967. Collection of Mrs. Barbara La Rocca, Netherlands Art Loss Register certificate, Reference S00003913. A.B. Griswold, Dated Buddha Images of Northern Siam, Atribus Asiae, Switzerland, 1957. L opetcharat Somkiart, Thailand, A History in Buddha Image, vol. I, Bangkok, 2005, p.223, n°16. Thailand, Buddha, Lan Na, 16th century. M. Nies, Peace of Mind, Marcel Nies Oriental Art, Catalogue, Antwerp, 2000, p. 54-55. Thailand, Buddha Sakyamuni, Lan Na, 16th century. |