Detail View: The AMICA Library: Buddha

ASIA.1979.074

1998

Sculpture

Asian; Southeast Asian; Thai

Thai

Buddha

Full view

Mon style, 10th-11th century

900

1099

Copper alloy

Thailand

H. 9 1/8 in. (23.2 cm)

Asia Society

New York, New York, USA

1979.074

Asia Society: The Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection

http://www.asiasociety.org

The diversity of style and iconography in sculptures produced in mainland Southeast Asia from the 6th through 9th centuries reflects the many regional cultures then thriving in that part of the world. In general, two systems of classification are used to help define the regional styles found here: one relies on political terms such as â??Dvaravatiâ?? and â??pre-Angkor,â?? while the more recent system groups by language and/or ethnic types such as Mon and Khmer. The date and provenance of this bronze Buddha are difficult to establish. His garments are similar to 7th- or 8th-century examples. However, his shawl is draped over only one shoulder, and his torso is more elongated and features more pronounced. Both characteristics might place this sculpture slightly later, since elongated torsos typify sculpture made at Haripunjaya from the middle of the 10th to about the 13th century. During the period, Haripunjaya remained a Mon stronghold while much of Thailand was under Khmer control. This modest sculpture, then, may represent a rare example of the later Mon style and provide a link between these traditions and those of Haripunjaya.

Asia Society. Handbook of the Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection. New York: Asia Society, [1981], p. 37.

ASIA.1979.074.a.tif