Sakyamuni Buddha

THAILAND; Dvaravati Kingdom

This sculpture was created during the Dvaravati Kingdom (circa 6th–13th century). This confederation of Mon principalities was heavily influenced by Indian culture, and played an important role in introducing Buddhism and particularly Buddhist art to the region.
The Buddha shows features similar to other statues from the Indian Gupta period (circa 320–550) but utilizes local Mon aesthetic notions. The facial characteristics of the locals are used, while the right hand makes the vitarka (teaching) mudra instead of the more common abhaya (fearlessness) mudra of Gupta statues. The left arm is bent at the elbow and it is assumed that it was originally holding the monastic robe, another Gupta feature. Judging from the advanced right leg outlined below the robe, the figure was likely walking forward, another trait often seen in Gupta Buddhas. The youthful figure displays characteristics of its period such as a protruding, almost conical topknot, and tight snail-like curls. The robes are, revealing a slim and elegant figure with well balanced, straight shoulders and a tapered waist.