Southeast Asia, Cambodia, Khmer Empire (Angkor culture), ca. late 12th to early 13th century CE. A cast bronze Buddha, seated on a four-tiered throne, with the flaring, hooded head of a giant naga, the serpent king Muchilinda, rising behind him protectively. His hands are in the Dhyana Mudra. This is a gesture of meditation, with the hands placed in the lap, right hand on left, with fingers full stretched out and palms facing upwards. A closer look at the throne reveals that it is the coils of the serpent's massive body. The story that the piece tells is that Muchilinda is protecting the Buddha from heavy rain; this iconographic depiction of the Buddha is a common one from the reign of Khmer King Jayavarman VII (reigned ca. 1181 to 1218 CE), who established a cult based around it. Scholars believe that this may be because Jayavarman was disabled and snakes were associated with healing. Size: 2.1" W x 4.75" H (5.3 cm x 12.1 cm); 5.25" H (13.3 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Healy collection, Studio City, California, USA, acquired over the last twenty years

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#127230

Light green patina on surface, with encrustation in lower profile areas. Figure is intact, with naga head slightly bent.