A Southeast Asian Bronze Figure of Buddha Sheltered by Muchalinda

Lot Details & Additional Photographs

Probably Cambodian, 10th to 13th century, cast bronze with gilt highlights, depicting the Buddha seated in meditation with hands in dhyana mudra and wearing a simple monastic robe draped over one shoulder, he is sheltered by the seven headed cobra naga Muchalinda who creates a shelter around him and coiled body underneath, the gilt inlaid gives the naga's snakeskin detail and energy, the sculpture is raised on a tiered base of same material.

7 3/8 x 3 1/2 x 2 3/4 in., Sculpture only 5 5/8 in.

From the Collection of Adrienne and John C. Maxwell, Jr. John C. Maxwell Jr. assembled one of the most distinguished private collections of Asian art in the American South, with a particular focus on Chinese, Korean, and Japanese works spanning antiquity through the late imperial period. A financier and respected market analyst by profession, Maxwell developed his interest in Asian art during his military service in Korea in the early 1950s. What began as personal study evolved into a lifelong commitment to collecting, scholarship, and connoisseurship.

The collection formed by Maxwell and his wife Adrienne reflects Maxwell’s highly analytical eye and preference for works possessing strong historical character, refined craftsmanship, and clear cultural significance. Numerous objects from the collection together with their private library of 1,200 scholarly Asian art journals and books were gifted to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, where they became part of the museum’s Maxwell East Asian Collection.

William H. Wolff, Inc., New York

For a similar sculpture, see the central figure of the bronze triad from Cambodia,13th century, offered at Christie's, New York, September 28, 2021, Lot 121.

Rich patina; scattered areas of rubbing with loss to gilt; losses to bronze mount where the Buddha rests and to lower foot rim edges of base.