Enthroned Buddha
The Buddha calling upon the earth goddess to witness his resistance of temptations immediately prior to his enlightenment (bhumisparsa mudra); he touches the earth with his right hand, a gesture that makes reference to all of his past meritorious actions. He is enthroned on a high four-tiered throne with a seat cover cloth displayed on the front. Each of the terraces is edged with lotus leaves, the upper one most pronounced.
On the reverse is an undecorated cartouche containing a dedicatory donor inscription, dated equivalent to 1923 A.D. The Buddha ushnisa, denoting his enlightened state, is highlighted in gold foil as is the capping finial in the shape of a lotus bud. Both are stained red, as is the Khmer taste for gold. A solid silver stem support rises from the back, supported by three silver lugs, to display three openwork silver umbrellas with pendulous pipal leaves.
On the reverse is an undecorated cartouche containing a dedicatory donor inscription, dated equivalent to 1923 A.D. The Buddha ushnisa, denoting his enlightened state, is highlighted in gold foil as is the capping finial in the shape of a lotus bud. Both are stained red, as is the Khmer taste for gold. A solid silver stem support rises from the back, supported by three silver lugs, to display three openwork silver umbrellas with pendulous pipal leaves.
Artwork Details
- Title: Enthroned Buddha
- Date: 1923, by inscription
- Culture: Cambodia (probably Phnom Penh)
- Medium: Silver, gold, and unfired clay
- Dimensions: H. 16 1/2 in. (41.9 cm); W. 7 1/8 in. (18.1 cm); D. 5 in. (12.7 cm)
- Classification: Sculpture
- Credit Line: Purchase, Anonymous Gift, 2013
- Object Number: 2013.247a–h
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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