Buddha Statue - Antique Laos Style Bronze Enlightenment Naga Buddha Statue - 34cm/14"

Buddha Statue - Antique Laos Style Bronze Enlightenment Naga Buddha Statue - 34cm/14"

Measures (Height) 34cm/14"

An unusual, lovely Laos style Enlightenment Buddha, seated on a five-tiered throne, with the flaring head of a giant Naga, the serpent King Muchalinda, rising protectively behind.

His hands are in the Bhumisparsa or enlightenment mudra. The Buddha's face is serene, with a naturalistic and warm expression; his head is topped by a detailed ushnisha, in the Laos style. The serpent is well rendered and symmetrical. The throne is formed by the coils of the serpent. In the Buddhist culture the Naga or serpent offers protection.

The story told here being that Muchalinda protected the Buddha from heavy rain. This iconography is typical of the reign of Khmer King Jayavarman VII (ca. 1181 to 1218 CE), who established a cult based around it. The statue is cast in the round, rather than as a relief on a stela. From this, we can infer that Laos sculptors would have desired their artwork to be viewed from all sides and thus placed in the center of temples rather than against a wall.

While this artwork was religious - priests supervised its execution - its realism is unmistakable. The Buddha is seated on a pedestal in the Bhumisparsa or 'Calling the Earth to Witness' mudra. 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.

This traditional in appearance piece is sure to add serenity to your home, office or sacred space.

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