Cambodian Khmer Art Sandstone Sculpture. 17/18th Century. Gautama Buddha. Naga. Macalinda. Enlightenment. Cambodia
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In the Angkorian style, this excellent sculpture depicts a naga (serpent) as the protector of Buddha. The Buddha, seated in the Virasana pose, is meditating on three graduated coils of the serpent king, Mucalinda. This ancient Virasana pose should not be confused with the Hero pose currently used in yoga (a kneeling post). Ancient texts described this cross-legged meditation asana as Virasana first.
Regarding Mucalinda: Four weeks after Gautama Buddha began meditating under the Bodi tree the heavens darkened for seven days, and a huge amount of rain fell. Mucalinda, came from beneath the earth, widened his hood and protected Buddha. When the rains stopped, he bowed before Buddha and returned to his palace. So the story goes.
Acquired from an avid collector in the Surin Province, northeast border of Thailand . . . and near the border with Cambodia. The collector acquired it in the 1970s.
Well defined features on both Buddha and Macalinda with a very smooth stone indicative of sandstone of this era.
For the Serious Collector of Angkorian art.
This Item has SOLD! Thanks M.S. !