Finial with the temptation of Buddha by Mara
Unknown Artist
late 1100s–early 1200s
Medium
bronze
Dimensions
42 × 18.5 × 3 cm · top: 22 × 17 × 3 cm
Classification
Sculpture
Department
Indian and Southeast Asian Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Andrew R. and Martha Holden Jennings Fund
Accession Number
1964.93.a
About this artwork
The Buddha sits surrounded by a circle of flaming jewels and full-blown lotus petals. Two rearing serpents emblematic of the glory of the Khmer Empire emerge from either side of his lotus pedestal. The Buddha’s right hand points down in the earth-touching gesture, and his left hand holds a round object, probably a special rice offering that indicates the Buddha’s power to ensure ongoing prosperity of the land. The branches of the pipal tree under which the Buddha reached enlightenment top the co...