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Peam Cheang: Buddha Protected by Mucalinda
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Peam Cheang: Buddha Protected by Mucalinda
CAMBODIA, Kampong Cham, Peam Cheang; 11th century; Sandstone; H: 114 cm; National Museum of Cambodia, Phnom Penh
The story of how the Naga King, Mucalinda, sheltered the Buddha from a storm with its hood became popular during the 11th century of the Khmer Empire (circa 9th–15th century). The Buddha in this sculpture is seated in half lotus position on the triple coils of the naga's body with hands in the dhyana (meditation) mudra. Seven naga heads carved with Dharma wheels and scale-like patterns form a rippling, petal-shaped canopy about the Buddha's head.
The Buddha's features are those typically found on statues from the region, with outlined eyes, a broad nose, and a thick-lipped mouth. The usnisa is built into four tiers and decorated with lotus petals. A tightly fitting monastic robe exposes the outline of the body. |
