Thailand. Dvaravati style. 8th c. Bronze with shining, dark silver patina. Sitting on a lotus base, hands in dhyana mudra. The garment covers the whole body and is visible at the neck and hands. It seems to be made from a sheer material, which clings to and reveals the asexual body. In the face the somewhat protruding eyes and the elegant eyebrows rooting at the nose bridge in the shape of 'flying swallows' are the prominent features.
The culture of the Mon from the 6th to 11th century in the basin of today's Chao-Phraya river in central Thailand is called Dvaravati. The works of art show a strong imprint through India. The Dvaravati empire played an important role in the introduction of Buddhist culture in the region. Bronze figures are rather rare. Height 11.4cm. On a base. Condition A/B.
Provenance: -Collection Michael Phillips, Los Angeles, acquired at Spink & Son Ltd, London, 1980s.
Published: -Stephen Little: Images of Buddha from the Michael Phillips Collection. In: Arts Of Asia, Jan-Feb 2013, p. 110, Fig. 22.