Lot 43F
Southeast Asia, Thailand, Lopburi/Khmer, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A grand carved terracotta Khmer/Lopburi style votive stele, originally intended for an architectural application, depicting a triad of Buddhas (in accordance with the Trikaya doctrine), the central Buddha sitting atop a double lotus throne bordered by reclining deer, flanked by a Buddha to each side, all resting on a two-tiered foundation adorned with dancers. Each Buddha image sits in half lotus position under Khmer/Lopburi style temple arches. The Bodhi or Banyon tree majestically crowns the top of the votive. The arches and outer border are beautifully detailed with Nagas. What an expertly carved and iconographically rich piece! First off, the artist carved three Buddhas, because according to Buddhist doctrine, the Buddha possesses three bodies or kayas: The Dharmakaya is the Truth body that embodies the concept of enlightenment; the Sambhogakaya is the body of bliss and mutual enjoyment; and the Nirmanakaya is the created body that truly manifests in time and space. The deer depicted reference Buddha's first teachings in Deer Park, Sarnath (also called Dharmachakra Parivartan). According to Buddhist teachings, Buddha's lessons were so wondrous that even the animals came to listen. The Bodhi or Banyon is the tree under which Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment. The Nagas are semi divine half human, half cobra beings that reside in the underground Naga-loka kingdom replete with luxurious palaces and precious stones. They are associated with earth's waters and are regarded as the guardians of treasure. Brahma limited them to live underground when their numbers grew too populous on earth and ordered them to bite evildoers; hence here they are protecting the Buddhas manifested in his three kayas. The lotuses adorning the thrones are symbols of purity. Furthermore, as lotus flowers rise above the mud to bloom into a breathtaking and fragrant specimens, they metaphorically signify Buddha's moment of enlightenment. A beautiful sculptural work carved in both high and low relief with remnants of deep green-gray and red pigment adorning the surface. Attached to a black painted wooden and steel museum display base. Size: 28-1/2" x 22" x 6" (72.4 x 55.9 x 15.2 cm)
Provenance: Ex private Colorado Collection.
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#110919
- Condition: Repaired with break lines showing. Smooth back. Expected surface wear with some red and dark green-gray pigment remains.
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