Description THREE KHMER SILVER REPOUSSé VOTIVE PLAQUES OF BUDDHA
Khmer Empire, Angkor period, 13th-15th century. The plaques with fine repoussé, one depicting Buddha standing on a rectangular base with the right hand raised in abhaya mudra, wearing a long flowing robe, the hair in curls surmounted by an ushnisha, the other two depicting Buddha seated cross-legged with the hands forming the dhyana mudra, the gesture of meditation, showing benevolent expressions with arched brows, almond eyes, and subtle smiles, the hairs in tight curls, the smaller one with an ushnisha.
Provenance: Ex-Collection of The Zelnik István Southeast Asian Gold Museum. Institutional art collection in Belgium, acquired from the above.
Condition: Good condition with minor losses, traces of age and wear, and soil encrustations.
Weight: 20.8 g (total)
Dimensions: Size 10.8 x 5.1 cm, 8.5 x 5.2 cm, and 7.9 x 4.2 cm
Published: The Zelnik István Southeast Asian Gold Museum, page 90, Budapest 2016. Gold Treasures of the Cham Kingdoms from the Collection of Dr. Zelnik Volume 2, nos. 97 and 101 (pages 130/131) Budapest 2008 (the seated Buddha plaques).
Assay data: Gold 1 %, Silver 94-95 %, Copper 3-4 % (the smaller seated Buddha). Gold 2 %, Silver 95 %, Copper 2 %, traces of iron (the larger seated Buddha).
Literature comparison: A similar piece to the standing Buddha plaque is in the National Museum of Cambodia, inventory number Ga.2833.1-30 and Ga.7052.1-24.