
Copper alloy with lacquer and gold leaf
This statue was created during the Angkor period (circa 9th–15th century) and portrays an incident during the first seven weeks after the Buddha’s enlightenment. When a storm struck, Mucalinda, the Naga King, shielded the Buddha against the weather.
The statue was created using new artistic concepts introduced during the reign of King Jayavarman VII (reigned circa 1181–1220). The new features included the crown and jewelry. The Buddha is however, seated very traditionally in half lotus position on the coils of the Naga King. The Buddha wears a lower garment represented by the clearly defined line on the hips. The statue was painted gold and black before gold foil was added.
For more details, go to the Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts: Sculpture A-F, page 203.