Seated Buddha

INDONESIA

This bronze sculpture dates to the Central Java period (circa 7th–13th century). The statue, nimbus, and pedestal were cast as separate elements and then assembled together.
The Buddha is seated with legs pendent and forms a mudra. A tight and diaphanous monastic robe worn by the figure covers a part of the left shoulder but mainly leaves the upper body bare. The garment has no folds and is exceptionally smooth except where it gathers at the left wrist and hangs downward from the arm. This particular clothing style is often seen in artwork from the Indian Gupta period (circa 320–550). The rest of the characteristics such as the exaggerated upper body, the squared face and pointed chin, are commonly seen in statues from 9th century Central Java.
The double-lotus throne the figure sits upon has petals that are wide and rounded and is located above a square pedestal where a plant feature protrudes outward to support the Buddha’s feet. The backrest behind the figure is supported on either side by two animals, one on top of the other. The beast at the top stands with its front legs reared and its head against a horizontal pole. A vertical pole supports the canopy and the large jewel high above the Buddha’s head. The nimbus is a solid flat disc with a beaded pattern adorning the edges and widely space simplified flames. The sophisticated design of the throne shows East Indian influence.