Rare Antique Buddha under Naga Sculpture from Thailand

Depicting Buddha in his royal attires resting on a throne made of coiled naga body and sheltered by the canopy of the seven headed snake king, this Buddhism iconography is perhaps one of rarest and most esoteric ones among all the images. Mostly seen in Southeast Asia, it tells the story of the encounter between Buddha and the underwater lord of Naga during a storm. The naga emerged from under the earth and used its body to provide comfort and protection for the meditating Buddha. When the storm receded, it assumed a human form, prayed in front of the Buddha before disappearing. The imagery evokes the feeling of the transforming power of the Buddha.

This particular sculpture is unique in the following aspects: Instead of being depicted in a meditation posture, the Buddha is found resting at ease on an elaborate carpet and a transitional Thai pillow. The Buddha itself is fascinating in his multi-armed god form instead of a humble human being, and was attired in royal outfit and jewels, with three attributes next to him, displaying the historical royal lineage of the Buddha and his superpower aspect.

The sculpture was wonderfully cast in a copper alloy with masterful and extensive repoussé that displays astounding details. A very unique piece of Buddhism art circa late 19th century, this statue is from the Bangkok period.