Ban Dok Rak: Crowned Buddha

THAILAND, Kanchanaburi, Ban Dok Rak

This bronze statue was discovered in Ban Dok Rak, Kanchanaburi. The Buddha’s usnisa is in the form of a cone and encircled by a crown that consists of a series of horizontal bands, above which are alternating rows of pointed leaves. The face is broad with long eyebrows, large eyes, a prominent nose, a wide mouth, thick lips, extended earlobes, and a rounded chin. Both hands are raised to form the abhaya (fearlessness) mudra, with Dharma wheels on the palms. Earrings hang down to the shoulders and the body is adorned with a heavy necklace, armlets, and a jeweled belt; the necklace and belt are made from layers of string beads with pointed leaves hanging downward. The diaphanous robe covers both shoulders and extends to the calves forming a U-shape at the abdomen. Giving the sculpture a sense of dynamism the corners of the hem splay outward. The undergarment is longer than the robe and can be seen protruding below. A ribbon with ornamental engravings hangs from the belt. Both the ornamentation and attire reflect the 12th century Lopburi style.