Laos, 18th - 19th Century, Maravijaya Buddha In Lacquered Wood

Origin: Laos
Presumed age: 18th - 19th century
Dimensions: 37 x 16.7 cm
Material: Lacquered wood
Condition: Surface wear and cracks to report

Note that the piece has a darker color than the digital processing of the piece suggests. picture.

The Buddha is represented seated cross-legged on a stepped octagonal plinth. The right leg is folded over the left leg, the right hand brushing the ground with the tips of the fingers in the gesture of taking the Earth to witness (Bumisparsa Mudra), and the left hand placed in its lap, the palm turned towards the 'outside. This gesture symbolizes the victory of the Awakened over Mâra, prince of desires and personification of death. The Awakened is dressed in the utarasanga, the monastic robe leaving the right shoulder uncovered. The face is characterized by large almond-shaped eyes with closed eyelids, the fine and straight nose overhangs a small mouth with a broad smile, a classic image of Laos statuary. The ears have lobes distended by the weight of the ornaments that the Blessed used to wear as a prince. The skull is surmounted by the usnisa in the shape of a lotus bud.

The art of Laos was strongly influenced by its two powerful neighbours, the Kingdom of Siam and the Khmer Empire. It was not until the 14th century that a resolutely original art appeared in Laos with the creation of the Kingdom of Lan Xang.