Object Details
- Label
- Placid and serene, the Buddha stands with his right hand in the gesture of teaching, with his forefinger and thumb together (vitarka mudra). His other hand likely would have formed the same gesture. As a renunciant, he does not wear regal attire or jewelry. His monk's robe clings close to his body and folds around the ankles. His face is serene, with pronounced features including a streamlined brow over almond-shaped eyes and full lips, and his snail shell curls are surmounted by a conical ushnisha. His long lobes emphasize his humble appearance.
- Buddhism spread from India into Southeast Asia primarily during the course of the sixth through ninth centuries. Art was a major agent in this expanding network. Inspired by sculptural imagery from Sarnath, in northern India, artists in Thailand and Cambodia developed their own forms for the Buddha. Some of the stylistic features, such as positioning both hands in vitarka mudra, departed from Indian models.
- Provenance
- ?-1970
- William H. Wolff, Inc., New York, NY, method of acquisition unknown [1]
- 1970-1987
- Arthur M. Sackler (1913-1987), purchased from William H. Wolff, Inc. in New York, NY [2]
- From 1987
- Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, gift of Dr. Arthur M. Sackler [2]
- Notes:
- [1] See William H. Wolff Inc. invoice to Dr. Arthur Sackler, February 11, 1970, stock number 02/540B, where the object is described as “Limestone Standing BUDDHA 44 ¼ inches high Thailand, Mon-Dvaravati Period, 9th century,” copy in object file.
- [2] See note 1.
- [3] Pursuant to the agreement between Dr. Arthur M. Sackler and the Smithsonian Institution, dated July 28, 1982, legal title of the donated objects was transferred to the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery on September 11, 1987.
- Research Completed October 17, 2022
- Collection
- Arthur M. Sackler Collection
- Exhibition History
- Pan-Smithsonian Institution installation, The Commons, Smithsonian "Castle" Building (June 17, 2004 to February 9, 2023)
- In Praise of Ancestors: Ritual Objects from China (September 28, 1987 to January 1, 1989)
- Previous custodian or owner
- William H. Wolff, Inc. (1906-1991)
- Dr. Arthur M. Sackler (1913-1987)
- Credit Line
- Gift of Arthur M. Sackler
- 20th century
- Accession Number
- S1987.908
- Restrictions & Rights
- Usage conditions apply
- Type
- Sculpture
- Medium
- Stone
- Dimensions
- H x W x D: 113 x 37.5 x 20 cm (44 1/2 x 14 3/4 x 7 7/8 in)
- Origin
- Thailand
- Related Online Resources
- Google Cultural Institute
- NMAA Southeast Asia
- See more items in
- Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Collection
- Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
- Topic
- stone
- Buddhism
- Buddha
- Thailand
- abhaya mudra
- Record ID
- fsg_S1987.908
- GUID (Link to Original Record)
- http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ye384d821dc-6149-439d-9d11-cb17cc9ea224
