Crowned Buddha

THAILAND

This Buddha statue from the Lanna Thai Kingdom (circa 1259–1558) was sculpted as a member of royalty. The Buddha wears a Thai-style crown surmounted by a lotus bud. The face is round with large downcast eyes, a prominent nose, thick lips, noble chin, and extended earlobes. The Buddha wears various pieces of thick jewelry, such as earrings, a necklace, armlets, elbow bracelets, bracelets, rings and anklets. The elbow bracelets and rings are special, since they are rarely seen on Buddha statues. The asymmetrical necklace is also unusual: two separate chains extend from the neck chain to wrap around one side of the body. The figure’s shoulders are broad while the waist is slim. The transparent robe is evident by the folds beneath the abdomen and above the ankles. The Buddha sits in the half lotus position on an unadorned throne. He makes the bhumisparsa (earth-touching) mudra with the right hand, while the left hand is laid flat with palm upwards in front of the abdomen.