POWERHOUSE COLLECTION

Buddha Muchalinda figure from Cambodia

Object No. 2014/132/35

The seated Buddha Muchalinda protected by the naga (the seven-headed serpent) is a popular image in Khmer art. Buddhism was made the state religion in Cambodia in the twelfth century and worship was focused on a trinity which was made up of the naga-protected Buddha, Avalokitesvara and the goddess of wisdom. This is an exceptionally fine and clear piece with an excellent green patina. This figure forms part of the collection of Buddhist figures and ritual objects that were assembled by Alastair Morrison to represent the major deities and associated religious objects in the Buddhist pantheon. The pieces are mostly small in size, reflecting their original function as portable devotional images. The collection significantly enhances the museum's existing holding of East, South and Southeast Asian material culture. The figures and objects, which are predominantly made from bronze and wood, reflect the high level of craft production in those regions and the significance of these objects as works of great spiritual significance. The production of these pieces, which spans a period of more than one thousand years, and has continued into the twentieth century, attests to the enduring importance of the spiritual ideas which these figures and emblems embody. Buddhism is one of the world's great and enduring religious traditions and is one of the fastest growing religions in Australia.

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Summary

Object Statement

Figure, of Buddha Muchalinda, bronze, Cambodia (Khmer), 1100s

Physical Description

The Buddha figure is seated on a giant Naga in front of the seven-headed serpent which rises up above his head to form a canopy. Strong greenish patina.

DIMENSIONS

Height

100 mm

Width

43 mm

Depth

20 mm

PRODUCTION

Notes

A bronze cast seated figure of Buddha Muchalinda. The most popular method for producing cast images of the Buddha in Thailand, where the Khmer influence was strong during this period, was the lost wax (cire perdue) method in which a detailed wax sculpture is formed over a core. When completed, the wax is covered with an outer mold, the wax is melted out and the metal poured into the mold. Khmer, Cambodia, 1100s.

HISTORY

Notes

A seated figure of Buddha Muchalinda,seated on a giant Naga. Made as a portable, devotional image. Khmer, Cambodia, 1100s. Ex Biancardi Collection. Purchased by the donor, Alastair Morrison, from the Parkham Place Gallery, Sydney, in June 2002.

SOURCE

Credit Line

Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program by Alastair Morrison, 2005

Acquisition Date

17 November 2014

Copyright for the above image is held by the Powerhouse and may be subject to third-party copyright restrictions. Please submit an Image Licensing Enquiry for information regarding reproduction, copyright and fees. Text is released under Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivative licence.

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