The Eilenberg Buddha
Copper alloy
Thailand, Mon Dvaravati period, circa 8th century
Cast in frontal position of samabhanga, with both arms bent at the elbows, on a parallel level, and his hands displaying the vitarka mudra (signifying the act of teaching the dharma or explication). He wears a diaphanous robe leaving the right shoulder bare and hanging in a long pleated cape-like manner over his left arm down to his shin. The Buddha has a broad face, full lips, elongated eyes with faint arching brows converge to a short broad nose, the whole conveying a sublime expression. His hair is worked in small bump-like knots over his domed ushnisha and his distended earlobes recall his regal life before enlightenment.
19 in. (48.3 cm) high