Angkor Wat: Crowned Buddha

CAMBODIA, Siem Reap, Angkor

The statue was initially located in the north sutra repository at Angkor Wat and is one of the largest bronze statues discovered in Cambodia. Apart from some damage, the work is in reasonably good condition, especially the details of the crown, jeweled collar and belt. A diaphanous skirt clearly reveals the legs beneath. Earlier statues of the Buddha from this area did not wear finery, but during the 12th century, a trend emerged of making images to resemble members of the royal family and therefore giving them the trappings of worldly authority. Here there is a mixture of sculptural styles; the ornaments and clothing are typical of Angkor Wat, while the features and posture derive from Bayon.