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Kathmandu: Buddha Protected by Mucalinda
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Kathmandu: Buddha Protected by Mucalinda
NEPAL, Kathmandu; 11th–12th century; Schist; H: 44.2 cm; Art Institute of Chicago, USA
The sculpture was discovered at Kathmandu. In this piece the Naga King, Mucalinda, shelters the meditating Buddha from a storm following his enlightenment. The Buddha wears a diaphanous monastic robe with one end thrown over the left shoulder. He sits in full lotus posture with his hands in dhyana (meditation) mudra. The five heads of the Naga King have their hoods expanded to form a canopy above the Buddha and the entwined bodies make an alcove about him. Similar sculptures from India differ in making the naga seven-headed and forming a seat for him from a single coil. |
