An impressive Khmer sandstone figure of a crowned and bejewelled Buddha Muchalinda. Cambodia, Angkor Wat style, 12th century
Seated in meditation on a coiled naga which is protectively spreading out its seven-headed hood over the Buddha. The hands held in dhyanamudra in his lap. A flower-ornamented diadem on his head and a necklace to his chest. The scales of the naga carefully carved. Mounted.
Height 76 cm
According to Buddhist tradition, the naga Muchalinda protected the Buddha when he meditated for seven weeks after his enlightenment. One day he was sitting in deep contemplation on the shore of Lake Muchalinda and did not notice that a storm was brewing. The water level rose and the serpent king Muchalinda lifted the Buddha on his seven-headed coiled serpent body above the floodwaters and spread his seven-headed hood to protect him from the rain.
Provenance
Kathrin and Andreas Lindner Collection
Literature
Ill. in: Buddha. 108 Begegnungen. Exhibition catalogue Museum Angewandte Kunst, Francfort 2015, Cat.-no. 70; Stephan von der Schulenburg, „Buddha. 108 Begegnungen“. Zur Ausstellung im Museum Angewandte Kunst Frankfurt, in: Ostasiatische Zeitschrift, N.S. no. 29 (Spring 2015), p. 9
Exhibitions
„Buddha. 108 Begegnungen“. Exhibition Museum Angewandte Kunst, Francfort, 26.2-7.6.2015