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Enthroned Buddha Vairocana

Southern Thailand

late 8th–9th century

Not on view

This majestic Buddha Vairocana along with two enthroned Manjusri bronzes (cat. nos. 164, 165) form a stylistically identifiable corpus. All three bronzes were likely produced by monastic workshops in peninsular Thailand when that region was in close contact with eastern India, notably Bihar and Bengal, absorbing the innovative Esoteric Buddhist ideas and imagery developing there, especially in the ninth century. With their lion-supported thrones, double-lotus cushions with a pearl-beaded band, flame-emitting aureoles, and distinctive umbrellas with flying ribbons, they display a profound understanding of Bengali sculptural models.

cat. no. 163

Enthroned Buddha Vairocana, Copper alloy, Southern Thailand — This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Enthroned Buddha Vairocana, Copper alloy, Southern Thailand

Enthroned Buddha Vairocana, Copper alloy, Southern 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: Enthroned Buddha Vairocana

Date: late 8th–9th century

Culture: Southern Thailand

Medium: Copper alloy

Dimensions: H. 9 7/16 in. (24 cm); W. est. 5 7/8 in. (15 cm); D. est. 6 5/16 in. (16 cm)

Classification: Sculpture

Credit Line: Lent by National Museum, Bangkok, donated by Khun Phoomopayakkhet in 1927

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