Siamese sculpture in the Hermitage

Crowned Buddha Calming the Ocean

Bangkok

Second half of the 19th century

Bronze, mirror insets, gilding

Height: 66 cm

This standing figure is a particularly striking example of the obvious decorativeness and pomposity of the image of the Buddha produced in the final period in the existence of traditional art. The pattern on the uttarasanga is akin to that found on Siamese silks and brocades. This became a common feature from the reign of Rama II. The present sculpture has two interesting details. The first is the raised hexagons on the Buddha's palms. Such special marks on the soles and palms of the Buddha are one of the mahapurushalakshana, although they occur quite rarely in Siam, mainly in the art of Bangkok. The second detail is the soft backless footwear with high curled toes. The Buddha was always depicted barefooted, in the crowned guise as well as the monastic, and shoes appeared on his feet only in 19th-century art.

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