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11. Buddharaja Shrine Thailand, Lopburi 12th century Bronze, cast in five pieces by the lost wax method height 60 cm. |
The name Rajadhiraja means ‘King of Kings’ and was given to important crowned Buddha images. The ornamentation refers to the early phase of the Buddha’s pre-enlightenment life, when as the son of a wealthy ruler he was known as Prince Siddhartha. Buddha is also a universal monarch who manifested himself in heaven to bodhisattvas. Another legend tells of Buddha appearing as a king in all his royal splendour in order to convert King Jambhupati, who had threatened to annex Bimbisara. The people of this kingdom appealed to Buddha, who responded by overwhelming Jambhupati with his magnificent palace and majestic appearance. The Buddha’s hands are raised in abhayamudra, the ‘fear not’ gesture. On each outwardturned palm the wheel of the Buddhist law is depicted. On his forehead is the urna, the sign of illumination. A crown covers his head and ushnisa and his jewellery consists of an elaborate necklace and ear ornaments. His body is covered with an ankle-length garment of fine light fabric. The bronzes produced in Lopburi are a continuation of the Khmer style. This bronze shrine has all the classic characteristics of the Lopburi style. Like a number of other examples it is cast in five pieces, all with beautiful proportions and finely modelled details. The rectangular throne forms the platform of the circular base the Buddha stands on. The nimbus, elaborated with flames, pearls and floral motifs, is made in two parts and its structure is clearly defined. All the elements are all masterfully assembled and integrated into one focused concept; an impressive Buddhist shrine complemented by a beautiful natural greenish patina. Provenance: Collection Mr. Charn Chuasomboon, President of the commission for experts in Bangkok, 1970s. Art Loss Register Certificate, Reference S00027776. P. Pal, The Sensuous Immortals, A Selection of Sculptures from the Pan-Asian Collection, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Los Angeles, 1978, p.216, no;131. Thitipong Udomiatasasin, Amulet of the Universal Buddha, 1996, s.p. a number of similar examples. E.C. Bunker and D. Latchford, Adoration and Glory. The Golden Age of Khmer Art, Chicago, 2004, no.109. Lopetcharat Somkiart, Thailand, A History in Buddha Image, I, Bangkok, 2006, p.382-383. |