Buddha subduing Mara, late 19th century
Unknown artist, Thailandexpand_more
Gilt bronzeexpand_more
Gift of Charles L. Freerexpand_more 17.116
On View in Gallery 213expand_more
This depiction of the Buddha, dressed as a prince and seated atop a carpet on an elaborate throne, would become widespread after King Rama I (r. 1782–1809) defeated Burmese incursions and established the Chakri dynasty, which rules present-day Thailand. Its leaders, like many earlier Southeast Asian kingdoms, styled themselves as universal monarchs, or chakravartins, on religious grounds, just as India’s first Buddhist emperor, Ashoka, had done 2,000 years earlier. Local elites would emulate the opulent royal sculptures for their own aesthetic and spiritual collecting practices. This phenomenon no doubt influenced industrialist Charles L. Freer, who gave this sculpture to Mia in 1917. It is the first work of Asian art to enter the museum’s collection.
Details
- Title
- Buddha subduing Mara
- Role
- Artist
- Dimension
- 21 in. (53.3 cm)
- Accession Number
- 17.116
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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