Sukhothai: Plaque with the Buddha Under the Bodhi Tree

THAILAND, Sukhothai

This plaque was excavated from the ruins at Sukhothai, along with a large number of votive plaques, most of which were made of clay, but a few were made of silver, gold, or pewter.
The plaque is shaped in silver using repoussé technique. In the lower section there are three arched niches containing a Buddha and two attendants. A flame pattern appears above the Buddha, who is depicted with a lean face and long lobed ears. A robe is draped across the left shoulder, and the right hand forms the bhumisparsa (earth-touching) mudra, while the left hand is positioned at the abdomen. The attendants have slim figures, and their bodies are slightly inclined toward the Buddha with palms joined in reverence. In the upper part of the plaque, there is a tree with dense foliage representing the Bodhi tree, under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. The right side of the plaque is damaged.