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Buddha Shakyamuni Preaching

late 7th–8th century
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
This repoussé plaque depicts the Buddha seated with his feet crossed at the ankles, a familiar posture in mainland Southeast Asian imagery of this period. The preaching Buddha looks beyond his raised hand, as if in dialogue with an unseen devotee. This is one of a small group of precious-metal repoussé plaques recovered at the large moated city of Si Thep. Lay Buddhists presumably commissioned such icons as meritorious offerings to their monastery. Many appear to have been interred in relic chambers and reliquaries.

cat. no. 121

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Buddha Shakyamuni Preaching
  • Period: Dvaravati
  • Date: late 7th–8th century
  • Culture: Central Thailand
  • Medium: Repoussé silver
  • Dimensions: H. 5 1/2 in. (14 cm)
  • Classification: Metalwork
  • Credit Line: Lent by Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Gift of Ms Shirley Day, in memory of Antony Gardner
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art