Buddha Statue - Antique Bayon Style Khmer Seated Bronze Naga Meditation Buddha - 53cm/21"

Antique Bayon Style Khmer Large Seated Bronze Naga Meditation Buddha - 53cm/21"

Measures (Height) 53cm/21"

An antique 13th century, Bayon style bronze Amitabha meditation Buddha, seated on a three-tired throne, with the flaring nine heads of a giant Naga, the serpent King Muchalinda, rising behind protectively behind. His hands are in the Dhyana mudra, the gesture of Meditation.

The Buddha's face is serene, with a naturalistic and warm expression; his head is topped by a lotus bud ushnisha, in the Bayon style. The lotus represents purity, compassion and the giving of great joy to all. 

Buddha Amitbha's hands are held in a meditation Mudra. Fingers barely touching and gently folded over the lap with palms facing upward - representing gentleness and purity. In his hands he holds a alms bowl demonstrating the charity and generosity of the Buddha. His eyes are downcast, his compassionate face bestowing peace, blessings and inner serenity on his devotees.

The serpent is well rendered and symmetrical. The throne is formed by the coils of the serpent. The story told here being that Muchalinda protected the Buddha from heavy rain.

This iconography is typical of the reign of Khmer King Jayavarman VII (ca. 1181 to 1218 CE), who established a cult based around it. The statue is cast in the round, rather than as a relief on a stela. From this, we can infer that Khmer sculptors would have desired their artwork to be viewed from all sides and thus placed in the center of temples rather than against a wall.

The Amitabha Buddha symbolizes mercy and wisdom. Tantric meditation on Amitabha is an antidote to desire. He reigns over Sukhavati (the Western paradise) which is also called the Pure Land. Those reborn in the Pure Land experience the joy of hearing Amitabha teach the dharma until they are ready to enter Nirvana.

While this artwork was religious - priests supervised its execution - its realism is unmistakable. The Buddhas hands are in Dhyana Mudra, the hand gesture that promotes the energy of meditation, deep contemplation and unity with higher energy.

This traditional in appearance piece is sure to add serenity to your home, office or sacred space.

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