Altarpiece with Crowned Buddha
Angkor period, 12th–13th century
Medium
Gilt bronze
Dimensions
33.3 × 10.8 × 8.8 cm (13 1/8 × 4 1/4 × 3 1/2 in.)
Classification
bronze
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
149096
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *Altarpiece with Crowned Buddha*, crafted during the Angkor period (12th–13th century), hails from the Khmer Empire in what is now Cambodia—a golden age of monumental temple complexes like Angkor Wat. Produced anonymously by master artisans, this gilt bronze sculpture served as a devotional object in Buddhist worship, embodying the serene divinity of the Buddha adorned with a crown symbolizing enlightened royalty. Standing just over 33 cm tall, its compact dimensions suggest it was designed for intimate altar use in temples or elite households, bridging the divine and the daily ...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...