Buddha Sheltered by Naga

Historical period(s)
Angkor period, 12th century
Medium
Stone
Dimensions
H x W x D: 60.8 x 44.9 x 25.4 cm (23 15/16 x 17 11/16 x 10 in)
Geography
Cambodia
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John B. Bunker
Collection
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
Accession Number
S1995.119
On View Location
Smithsonian Castle, Commons Room
Classification(s)
Sculpture, Stone
Type

Buddhist sculpture

Keywords
Angkor period (802 - 1431), Buddha, Buddhism, Cambodia, naga, ushnisha, WWII-era provenance
Provenance

Nasli and Alice Heeramaneck, New York [1]

To 1995
Mr. and Mrs. John B. Bunker, Wheatland, WY, to 1995

From 1995
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, given by Mr. and Mrs. John B. Bunker in 1995

Notes:

[1] According to Provenance Remark 1 in the object record.

Previous Owner(s)

Mr. and Mrs. John B. and Emma Bunker
Nasli and Alice Heeramaneck

Label

Nagas are potent, auspicious symbols throughout South and Southeast Asia. The image of the Buddha seated on a coiled serpent gained traction in Cambodia, where nagas represent the bridge between the earthy and transcendent realms. Here, the Buddha aligns his spine with the serpent's upright body, his head sheltered beneath the multiheaded cobra hood.

Published References
  • Ad Reinhardt. Khmer Sculpture. Exh. cat. New York. p. 38.
Collection Area(s)
South Asian and Himalayan Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
F|S Southeast Asia
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