Standing Buddha

Description This is an appealing and exquisite image that forces questions about the nature of the development of Dvaravati art in the 9th century. Among its most salient features are the alloy (which is brass), the punched curls, the oversided gem-shaped radiance over a low "unisa," the straight mouth, and the pronounced rectilinearity. For some of these, it is possible to point to external influences; others may be the product of an entirely internal development.

Exhibitions

• Unearthly Elegance: Buddhist Art from the Griswold Collection. The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore. 1995.

Provenance Private collection, Thonburi, prior to April 13, 1951; Alexander B. Griswold, Monkton, April 13, 1951 [presented to the Breezewood Foundation, December 1960, inv. no. 147]; Walters Art Museum, 1992, by bequest.

Inscriptions none

Credit Bequest of A. B. Griswold, 1992