Antique 18th Century Sukhothai Thai Enlightenment

Ca. 18th century antique Sukhothai style Buddha from Thailand.Â
The bodies profile is with broad shoulders and slender waist, covered by a Sanghati robe worn diagonally over the left shoulder, and is graced by a heavily pleated flap draped to the navel, marked with a fishtail shaped notch. The right shoulder is left bare.Â
The Buddha features  heart shaped face, with almond shaped downcast eyes. Curved eyebrows meet above a prominent nose, and contoured lips with an exalted expression, appear smiling. The shell like curls of the hair form a heart shaped line around the face, surmounted by a hemispherical ushnisha, topped by a flamed ornamental finial, symbolizing his high level of spiritual development. His earlobes are stretched long from a youth spent as a prince wearing heavy gold earrings.
The Buddha is seated on a pedestal in the Bhumisparsa or 'Calling the Earth to Witness' mudrÄ. With fingers slightly touching the ground this position represents the subduing of Mara (a demon) who bombarded Buddha with demons, monsters, violent storms and the three seductive daughters. Remaining steadfast the Buddha testified to his meritorious past by pointing to the earth and calling the Earth Goddess, Thorani.
Rising from the ground the Earth Goddess wrings the water from her long black hair. By this action she raises a torrential flood that drowns Mara and his army of demons. This gesture reflects this story symbolizing enlightenment, as well as steadfastness and Buddha’s achievement of perfection or nirvana.

Provenance: Ex- private London, UK Collection.

Provenance: Private London Collection

Medium: Bronze

Dimensions: 53cm / 21”

General Condition: Good condition. Consistent with age.

SCBR2516