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Buddha in Meditation under a Seven-Headed Naga

Central Thailand

7th century

Not on view

This seated Buddha, deep in meditation, is protected by a seven-headed naga (snake). The Buddha is flanked by two cylindrical stupas (stupa kumbha) with multiple umbrellas, emblematic of Buddha relics. The theme of the Buddha and the naga has its origins in the Indian legend of the meditating Buddha being protected by the nagaraja (snake king) Mucalinda during a mighty rainstorm. It is likely that in Southeast Asia we are witnessing the grafting of indigenous snake-cult concepts onto a broader Indic notion of the naga as protector of the sacred.

cat. no. 111

Buddha in Meditation under a Seven-Headed Naga, Sandstone, Central Thailand — This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Buddha in Meditation under a Seven-Headed Naga, Sandstone, Central Thailand

Buddha in Meditation under a Seven-Headed Naga, Sandstone, Central Thailand

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Title: Buddha in Meditation under a Seven-Headed Naga

Date: 7th century

Culture: Central Thailand

Medium: Sandstone

Dimensions: H. 29 15/16 in. (76 cm); W. 26 3/8 in. (67 cm); Wt. 416 lbs. (188.7 kg)
Tenon: H. 5 7/8 in. (15 cm)

Classification: Sculpture

Credit Line: Lent by National Museum, Bangkok (DV9)

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Asian Art at The Met

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