Sakyamuni Buddha

THAILAND; Dvaravati Kingdom

The statue is believed to date to early 8th century of the Dvaravati Kingdom (circa 6th–13th century), although the facial features are somewhat different from statues of that era and the workmanship is rather rough. Corrosion on the surface reveals that the statue was once buried for a long time, which explains the repairs done to the broken neck. The work is most likely from Nakhom Pathom or U Thong, both in what is now central Thailand.
The Buddha’s exaggerated and unevenly curled hair overhangs the top of the ears. The wide mouth and full lips are typical of Mon workmanship. The figure wears a thin monastic robe that covers both shoulders and reveals the outline of the figure. The hands are raised but the damage is too great to accurately identify a mudra. The hem of the robe drapes down the body. The Buddha’s left leg is positioned slightly forward, giving the statue a sense of movement.