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Objectreligious artefact: Figure
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Type of arts & crafts
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MediumSilver, gold, and unfired clay
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SizeH. 16 1/2 in. (41.9 cm); W. 7 1/8 in. (18.1 cm); D. 5 in. (12.7 cm)
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Geography details
Cambodia -
Country today
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Date1923, by inscription
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CultureCambodia (probably Phnom Penh)
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Type of sourceDatabase “Metropolitan Museum of Art”
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Fund that the source refers toMetropolitan Museum of Art
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The Buddha calling upon the earth goddess to witness his resistance of temptations immediately prior to his enlightenment (bhumisparsa mudra); he touches the earth with his right hand, a gesture that makes reference to all of his past meritorious actions. He is enthroned on a high four-tiered throne with a seat cover cloth displayed on the front. Each of the terraces is edged with lotus leaves, the upper one most pronounced.
On the reverse is an undecorated cartouche containing a dedicatory donor inscription, dated equivalent to 1923 A.D. The Buddha ushnisa, denoting his enlightened state, is highlighted in gold foil as is the capping finial in the shape of a lotus bud. Both are stained red, as is the Khmer taste for gold. A solid silver stem support rises from the back, supported by three silver lugs, to display three openwork silver umbrellas with pendulous pipal leaves.