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Crowned Buddha
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Crowned Buddha
MYANMAR; 18th–19th century; Bronze; H: 53 cm; British Museum, London, United Kingdom
This crowned Buddha from Bagan followed the sculptural style previously developed in eastern India. The crown is elaborately constructed with five leaf-shaped prongs, but the finial has broken off. Ribbons extend outwards in fine and elaborate openwork.
The Buddha sits in lotus position on a Sumeru throne. A stole covers the shoulders and drapes down the arms, while the lower body is clothed in a long dhoti. The body is adorned with large earrings, a collar necklace, and bracelets. A bowl is held in the figure's left hand and a medicinal fruit in the right hand. The Buddha is often depicted as a physician, because his teachings are likened to medicine. |
