Dong Si Maha Phot: Seated Buddha

THAILAND, Prachinburi; Dvaravati Kingdom

There are few stone relief sculptures that remain from the Dvaravati Kingdom (circa 6th–13th century), but many of those in existence are of the Buddha meditating under the Bodhi tree. The Buddha in this example is carved in high relief with tightly curled hair that rises to a small usnisa. The diaphanous monastic robe leaves the right shoulder bare and is suggested by a thinly raised line that indicates the hem across the chest and around the wrists and ankles. A distinct line at the waist represents the start of the lower garment.
The anatomical details are exaggerated, particularly the broad shoulders, slim waist, and awkwardly placed feet in a half lotus position on the multi-petaled throne. The hands form the dhyana (meditation) mudra and are out of proportion as are the feet. Two pagodas are carved in low relief on the sides of the arched mandorla, while the leaves of the Bodhi tree spread across the top.