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Buddha Shakyamuni Preaching

Central Thailand

late 7th–8th century

Not on view

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

Buddha Shakyamuni Preaching, Repoussé silver, Central Thailand — This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

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

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Asian Art at The Met

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