Standing Buddha
Unknown Artist
8th–9th century
Medium
Silver
Dimensions
H. 11 1/4 in. (28.6 cm); W. 4 in. (10.2 cm); D. 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm)
Classification
Sculpture
Culture & Period
Thailand · Mon-Dvaravati period
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Muneichi Nitta, 2004
Accession Number
2004.142.1
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite Standing Buddha, crafted in silver during Thailand's Mon-Dvaravati period (8th–9th century stands as a luminous testament to early Southeast Asian Buddhism. Measuring just 11¼ inches tall, this petite sculpture from the Mon people of central Thailand captures the serene poise of the Buddha in a standing posture, a pose evoking protection and accessibility in Theravada traditions. The Mon-Dvaravati era (circa 6th–11th century) marked a flourishing of Buddhist art influenced by Indian styles, blending local motifs with spiritual iconography to adorn temples and shrines. The choic...