A FINE BRONZE FIGURE OF THE ROYAL BUDDHA

Description:

Thailand. Angkor period, Khmer-Lopburi style, late 12th/ early 13th cent.
H. 32,7 cm (o.S.)
Standing in samabhanga, both hands in abhaya mudra, the gesture of protection. The figure is dressed in close-fitting robes, in a long undergarment that covers both shoulders from the waist down, the antaravasaka, and in a long, loose-fitting, cloak-like robe that covers both shoulders and is draped over the arms and ends just below the knees, the uttarasanga. The sculpted jewellery consists of a crown, heavy earrings, a necklace with tassels, upper arm bangles and a wide belt with straps and a central flower, hoops at the ankles. A lotus or a dharma chakra (the wheel of teaching) on the palm of each hand. The fold of the lower garment is covered by a wide belt; and the centre panel is adorned with an ornamental band.
Collection of the Berlin actor Carl Radatz (1912 - 2004) - Private collection Rhineland
In Cambodia, the Buddha was also depicted in his sambhogakaya form, i.e. with a crown and adorned with jewellery. In this form he is regarded as a king. The transcendental form of Shakyamuni manifests itself in him. The royal Buddha appeared in the Khmer Empire at the beginning of the 12th century in Phimai, a sanctuary dedicated to tantric Buddhism. The crowned and jewelled Buddha also arose from the custom of adorning Buddha images with real jewels. This removable jewellery developed from the offering of gifts to an image and the desire to beautify the object of worship. When the sculptors adopted this custom in their art, it came about that bracelets and the belt were placed over the upper garment covering the whole body, the uttarasangha, which covers both shoulders - Minor signs of age, somewhat corroded