Untitled

Unknown

second half 6th century · Copper alloy · Asian Art

The preaching Buddha seated with pendant legs (the so-called ‘European Posture’) became the signature icon of the monumental stupas built by the Mon state in 8th century central Thailand. These stupas were flanked by four such Buddhas in quartz stone, over 30 feet in height. The importance of this miniature icon of a Buddha expounding the dharma lies in both it serving as an early prototype for such monumental Buddhas, and because of the likelihood that it is the earliest bronze version of this subject known.

Artist

Unknown

Date

second half 6th century

Medium

Copper alloy

Culture

Thailand (Mon-Dvaravati)

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of Jeff Soref and Paul Lombardi, in honor of Natalie Soref, 2015