Thai Stele with Teaching Buddha

Antique Thai stele depicting a Teaching Buddha. The Buddha is seated on a throne, with hand raised in front of his chest in the dharmachakra mudra. In sanskrit dharmachakra means the 'Wheel of Dharma'. This mudra symbolises one of the most important moments in the life of Buddha, the occasion when he preached to his companions the first sermon after his Enlightenment in the Deer Park at Sarnath. It therefore denotes the setting into motion of the Wheel of the teaching of the Dharma. In this mudra the thumb and index finger of both hands touch at their tips to form a circle. This circle represents the Wheel of Dharma, or in metaphysical terms, the union of method and wisdom. A halo can be seen behind the Buddha representing his perfection. The stele is inscribed with multiple lines of sanskrit text on its front. The rear of the Stele is decorated with another Dharmacakra (Wheel of the Law), Axe and Vase of Plenty. The style of the inscription indicates an Angkor or post-Angkor date, however the stele does not appear to be dated. Loose mounted to a wood base (later).
Provenance: Ex- private US Collection.
Please contact us for high resolution images of the piece.

Provenance: Private US Collection

Medium: Stone

Dimensions: 48cm / 19”

General Condition: Good condition. Consistent with age.

SCST239