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Life of the Buddha - Monkey and Elephant Making Offerings
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Life of the Buddha - Monkey and Elephant Making Offerings
THAILAND; Bangkok period (1782–present), dated 1822–1853; Bronze with lacquer, gold leaf, and glass; H: 155 cm; National Gallery of Australia, Canberra
The sculpture depicts an event that occurred during the Buddha’s life. When the Buddha left the fractious monks of Kausambi, he took up residence in the forest where he was provided with food by an elephant and a monkey.
The sculpture shows the Buddha sitting on a rock, overshadowed by a Bodhi tree, with plants and vegetation visible upon the rock and around the oval platform. Two animals crouch in front of the Buddha; the monkey is offering a branch with a honeycomb attached while the elephant lifts a bottle with its trunk. The Buddha sits with both hands placed on his lap, his right hand palm up in acceptance of the offerings. The Buddha is larger in size, in contrast with the two animals, indicating his superior status. The monastic robe has a decorated hem, revealing the aesthetic taste of the early Bangkok period (1782–present) when it was cast. |
