This bronze Walking Buddha, Sukhothai from north-central Thailand, is dated to the bronze 15th–16th centuries. An early Thai culture called Dvaravati, who practiced Buddhism, formed in the 7th century possibly under the influence of the great Indian center of Nalanda. Their art shows influence from Gupta India. Khmer influence started in the 10th century and became dominant in the 11th and 12th centuries. After freeing themselves from the Khmer, the Sukhothai style began to develop in the 13th century and continued through the 14th and15th centuries and has been replicated ever since. In this civilization, Hindu deities were respected but Buddha was always primary.
The great Sukhothai invention was the freestanding walking Buddha. Walking meditation is an important part of Theravada Buddhism. These Buddhas are more graceful than any ordinary human being could ever be. The androgynous form is a teaching in itself on the integration of opposites. The lines are extremely fluid. The tiny fingertips transition from the material world to the invisible world. The body seems to be swaying under the gentle pressure of a sweet wind. (FLG)
Rotating video: https://vimeo.com/504455844
- Subject Matter: Walking Buddha
- Inventory Number: 2014.177
- Collections: Sacred World Art Collection