Khmer art of Thailand (Lopburi style)
12th-13th century
Buddha sitting in vîrâsana (legs placed one on top of the other) on the heptacephalic naga. He points his right hand towards the Earth (bhûmispars'amudrâ), taking it as a witness to the enlightenment he is about to attain. The serpent protects the Blessed One from the rain that the God of Death (Mâra) sends to try to distract him in his meditation.
Bronze with green patina and traces of gilding
48 x 28
Provenance: Private collection, from the Michael Henss collection.
Expert: Patrick Laycock
Certificate of authenticity (metallography)