Object Details
Label
Placid and serene, the Buddha stands with his right hand in the gesture of teaching, with his forefinger and thumb together (vitarka mudra). His other hand likely would have formed the same gesture. As a renunciant, he does not wear regal attire or jewelry. His monk's robe clings close to his body and folds around the ankles. His face is serene, with pronounced features including a streamlined brow over almond-shaped eyes and full lips, and his snail shell curls are surmounted by a conical ushnisha. His long lobes emphasize his humble appearance.
Buddhism spread from India into Southeast Asia primarily during the course of the sixth through ninth centuries. Art was a major agent in this expanding network. Inspired by sculptural imagery from Sarnath, in northern India, artists in Thailand and Cambodia developed their own forms for the Buddha. Some of the stylistic features, such as positioning both hands in vitarka mudra, departed from Indian models.
Provenance
?-1970
William H. Wolff, Inc., New York, NY, method of acquisition unknown [1]
1970-1987
Arthur M. Sackler (1913-1987), purchased from William H. Wolff, Inc. in New York, NY [2]
From 1987
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, gift of Dr. Arthur M. Sackler [2]
Notes:
[1] See William H. Wolff Inc. invoice to Dr. Arthur Sackler, February 11, 1970, stock number 02/540B, where the object is described as “Limestone Standing BUDDHA 44 ¼ inches high Thailand, Mon-Dvaravati Period, 9th century,” copy in object file.
[2] See note 1.
[3] Pursuant to the agreement between Dr. Arthur M. Sackler and the Smithsonian Institution, dated July 28, 1982, legal title of the donated objects was transferred to the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery on September 11, 1987.
Research Completed October 17, 2022
Collection
Arthur M. Sackler Collection
Exhibition History
Pan-Smithsonian Institution installation, The Commons, Smithsonian "Castle" Building (June 17, 2004 to February 9, 2023)
In Praise of Ancestors: Ritual Objects from China (September 28, 1987 to January 1, 1989)
Previous custodian or owner
William H. Wolff, Inc. (1906-1991)
Dr. Arthur M. Sackler (1913-1987)
Credit Line
Gift of Arthur M. Sackler
Date
20th century
Accession Number
S1987.908
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
Sculpture
Medium
Stone
Dimensions
H x W x D: 113 x 37.5 x 20 cm (44 1/2 x 14 3/4 x 7 7/8 in)
Origin
Thailand
Related Online Resources
Google Arts & Culture
NMAA Southeast Asia
See more items in
National Museum of Asian Art
Data Source
National Museum of Asian Art
Topic
stone
Buddhism
Buddha
Thailand
abhaya mudra
Southeast Asian Art
Link to Original Record
Record ID
fsg_S1987.908