This fine representation of Buddha Sakyamuni as Teacher of the Doctrine, while showing the teaching mudra with his right hand, reveals various stylistic traditions. His slender body is reminiscent of the classical Gupta age of Nothern India. The garment developed out of the Deccan tradition, as the lotus-pedestal is based upon later North Indian examples. His face reveals strong ethnic traits of the Mon people of Dvaravati period in Central Thailand (7th - 9th century).
This last aspect makes a Sumatran or Javanese origine highly unlikely. However a Central Thai origin can be disregarded as well. Examples from Central Thailand, as a rule, are empty handed and show with both hands the teaching mudra. The bronze under review holds the end of the slip of his robe, which is common feature amongst examples from maritime Southeast Asia. Therefore most probably, this bronze is originating from the Thai-Malay peninsula.

See colour illustration