Two Very Large Buddhas, Laos, Luang Prabang, 17th-18th Century.

Two very large Buddhas in monoxyl teak wood, Laos, Luang Prabang, 17th-18th century. The one on the right is represented in a gesture of absence of fear, of protection "Abhaya mùdra". This gesture evokes the episode where Buddha was attaqued by a furious elephant in the streets of Rajagarha. The animal, known for its bad temper, came from the stables of Ajatasatrù, king of Magadha. He had been intoxicated at the instigation of Devadatta, the bad cousin of the Buddha, who wanted to assassinate him. But the elephant, arriving before the Master, was subjugated by his serenity, stopped and knelt before him to pay homage to him. The one on the left is represented in "Civarahasta mùdra", an attitude common in countries practicing Theravada, notably in Thailand and Laos. Gotama Buddha (or Gautama) holds the monastic robe slightly raised or extends his hands outstretched towards the ground, palms turned towards the body. Erosion, losses, but very beautiful presence for these two rare pieces, especially in these dimensions (2.00m and 1.81m)