Standing Mon Buddha with Both hands Raised, flanked by Two Bodhisattvas

This exquisite carving depicts the Descent of the Buddha from the Trayastrimsa heaven. The central figure stands frontally on a lotus throne, wearing a long diaphanous Sanghati with pleated folds, both hands raised in the vitarka mudra. The meditative face has downcast eyes and broad mouth, the hair tightly curled, an elaborate lotus aureole behind. Both attendant Bodhisattvas stand in the tribhanga pose, wearing diaphanous robes and high tapering headdresses, their hands in abhaya and varada gestures. All three figures are modeled in elongated style. The surface has become brown from being in soil with high iron content. Intact with original tenon. Mounted on a base. (AQ260)

From the Mon culture, Thailand/borders of Cambodia, circa 7th/early 8th century AD.

Height: 20.5 inches (52 cm.)

BU060