An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Buddha600s
This elegant, monumental sculpture is the earliest type of Buddha image to be made in Southeast Asia. It comes from a site in north-central Thailand that was part of the Dvaravati kingdom (500s–1200s). The body shows direct links with the sculptural traditions at Sarnath in northern India on the banks of the Ganges River. The expression of the face has the peaceful introspection that became canonical during the Gupta period of the 5th century in India. The shape of the head and facial features—unlike Indian precursors—suggest that the artists and patrons of Dvaravati made the Buddha resemble the local Mon population. The figure's stance has been rendered with remarkable fluidity, and the abstracted caps of the knees and minimalist modeling of the pelvis lend the figure an otherworldly, transcendent demeanor, balanced by the approachable smiling countenance.
Now reunited for display, CMA acquired the sculpture in two pieces, when the feet (<a href="https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1974.91">CMA 1974.91</a>) and the body were found in separate locations.
sandstone
Overall: 132.7 cm (52 1/4 in.); without tang: 114.2 cm (44 15/16 in.)
Leonard C. Hanna, Jr. Fund
Nestled quietly amidst the lush landscapes of north-central Thailand, an extraordinary piece of history has emerged from the roots of the Dvaravati kingdom, a realm that flourished between the 500s and 1200s. Here, under the gentle caress of the tropical sun, a monumental sculpture stands as the earliest testament to Buddhist artistry in Southeast Asia, inviting contemplation and admiration.
As you approach the sculpture, the serene expression of the figure captivates your gaze, evoking a sense of peaceful introspection. Each feature, delicately carved, tells a story of harmony reminiscent of the soothing waters of the Ganges River that flow near Sarnath, India. It’s a narrative that transcends time, weaving together the spiritual echoes of India’s past with the emerging identity of the Mon people.
Unlike its Indian predecessors, this Buddha radiates a unique allure, suggesting the hands of local artisans and patrons shaped it in their image. The form boasts a gentle fluidity, as if drawn from the very essence of the land it inhabits. The slight abstraction of the knees and the minimalist modeling of the hips lend an ethereal quality to the figure, as though it were caught between this world and the next.
Yet, it is the Buddha's smile, warm and inviting, that truly breathes life into the stone. A beacon of tranquility amidst the cadence of life, it beckons all who pass to pause, reflect, and perhaps find a piece of their own story within its timeless gaze. In this harmonious fusion of artistry, culture, and spirituality, the sculpture not only represents an epoch but becomes a lasting bridge of connection—a reminder of the universal search for peace and understanding that lies within the human experience.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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