Buddha Statue - Antique Khmer Style Stone Stele Seated Meditation Buddha Statue - 46cm/18"

Antique Khmer Style Stone Stele Seated Meditation Buddha Statue - 46cm/18"

Measures (Height) 46cm/18"

An antique early 7th century Phnom Da style pre-Angkor stele depicting a seated Buddha in Dhyana or Meditation mudra. This hand gesture promotes the energy of meditation, deep contemplation and unity with higher energy.

The Phnom Da period, also known as the Funan period, is a lesser-known but pivotal epoch in the history of the Khmer civilization. Nestled in the heart of Southeast Asia, the Khmer Empire flourished during various periods, each marked by its unique cultural, architectural, and political achievements.

The Phnom Da period, situated between the Chenla and Angkor eras, serves as a bridge between these more renowned epochs.

The presence of Buddhist steles in pre-Angkor Cambodia reveals a fascinating glimpse into the cultural, religious, and artistic developments of early Southeast Asia. As devotional monuments inscribed with religious texts and adorned with intricate carvings, Buddhist steles provide insight into the spread of Buddhism in Cambodia before the height of the Angkorian period (9th-15th centuries).

These stone slabs, often inscribed with Pali or Sanskrit, served not only as symbols of faith but also as records of historical, spiritual, and political life.

The stele is a vertical stone slab or column, often adorned with carvings of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and other religious symbols. In pre-Angkor Cambodia, these steles were erected as acts of devotion, marking significant spiritual events or commemorating the construction of temples and shrines. They served as permanent reminders of the faith and dedication of both royals and commoners alike.

The design of Buddhist steles in pre-Angkor Cambodia reflects a rich fusion of indigenous styles and Indian iconography. As Buddhism spread, artisans and patrons adapted Indian artistic forms to suit local tastes and materials, creating a unique style that would later influence Angkorian art.

Buddhist steles were not merely decorative; they played an active role in daily worship and ritual practices. In pre-Angkor Cambodia, steles were placed in temples, monasteries, and sacred sites to facilitate spiritual practices and foster a communal atmosphere of reverence and piety.

A sanskrit inscription surrounds the Buddha.

The use of Buddhist steles in pre-Angkor Cambodia exemplifies the region’s early embrace of Buddhism and the fusion of Indian and Southeast Asian influences that would later characterize Khmer art. These steles were not just religious monuments but also records of history, politics, and cultural exchange.

They served as devotional objects, sites for community worship, and a visual narrative of Buddhism’s spread across Southeast Asia.

Today, the remnants of these steles continue to tell the story of Cambodia’s spiritual evolution, marking a significant chapter in the country’s history and underscoring the enduring power of devotion, art, and faith.

Whether as silent witnesses to ancient rites or as artistic expressions of Buddhist teachings, the Buddhist steles of pre-Angkor Cambodia remain valuable cultural treasures and a lasting testament to the region’s spiritual heritage.

The rear of the Stele is also inscribed in Sanskrit. The stele without base measures 36cm/14" tall, not including its pointed socket that allows it to be seated securely in a base.

Loose mounted to a wood base (later).

Provenance: Ex- private London Collection. All items are guaranteed to be as described. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all purchases upon request.

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