CAMBODGE, KHMER, STYLE DU BAYON, XIIIEME SIECLE

Already during the twelfth century an increasing interest in Mahayana Buddhism in the Khmer empire developed and culminated under the reign of Jayavarman VII of the Bayon period (1182 - ca. 1218). One of the most important sacred images became the Buddhist triad representing the Buddha seated on the coils of a snake flanked by Lokeshvara, the god of Compassion and Prajnaparamita, the goddess of Wisdom. Buddha is seated here on a lotus dais, its petals elegantly bending down over a coil of the snake. Most likely he represents the Adi Buddha or Highest Truth. He is taller than both flanking figures, confirming his spiritual importance. The Buddha holds a small vase in his hands that might refer to his healing qualifications as Medecin Buddha or Bhaisajyaguru. In that case it is suggested that he does not cure just physical shortcomings and illness but as well spiritual ones. This fine bronze triad of considerable size, enhanced with a beautiful green patina, sublimes this spiritual power perfectly.