Antique Thai Style Ayutthaya Seated Enlightenment

An antique Thai style Ayutthaya Buddha seated, in virasana, cross-legged symbol of Serenity, with both hands in the double Bhumisparsa or 'Calling 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. Reflecting this story the mudrÄ symbolizes enlightenment, as well as steadfastness and Buddha’s achievement of perfection or nirvana.Â
As is typical of Buddha images of the Ayutthaya period the sculpture displays influences of the Lopburi, U Thong and Sukhothai styles. The face is formed of a Sukhothai influenced oval and a highly ornate U Thong influenced band separates the hairline and forehead. The Buddha is modestly attired ‘small ornamentation’ featuring a diadem. The Buddha has a peaceful countenance with downcast introspective eyes and a firm brow. He has a large Sukhothai inspired flame ushnisha protuberance on top of his head symbolizing his high level of spiritual development. His earlobes are stretched long from a youth spent as a prince wearing heavy gold earrings.Each detail is rendered perfectly. The distinctive patina of the piece is also particularly delightful.Â

Provenance:

Medium: Bronze

Dimensions: 65cm /26”

General Condition: Good condition.

SCBR2387