South-Est Asian Art An important bronze figure of Buddha ShakyamuniCambodia or Burma, Khmer empire (?), 12th century . . Cm 13,00 x 25,00. The bronze with a green patina depicting the historical Shakyamuni Buddha is especially noteworthy, represented here in a standing position on a platform base that is decorated with lotus petals and raised on small legs. The forms of the figure's lean and slender body are accentuated by a light, fitted tunic. It also features a high five-pointed crown in a vague leaf shape. The large hands, both with palms outstretched towards the viewer, display the following gestures: the right exhibits the vitarkamudra doctrine, while the left is most likely in the shuni mudra position. The hybrid style of the work makes it difficult to attribute a precise geographical origin. It appears to have been found in Cambodia and likely dates to the Khmer period.It does, however, feature numerous stylistic discrepancies with this era. It could therefore be assumed that the work was inspired by foreign aesthetic styles, such as those of the Bagan empire of neighbouring Burma and the Pala empire which, in turn, borders present-day Myanmar. Some theorise that this bronze was actually created within the Bagan empire, with both Pala and Khmer influences, before being moved to Cambodia for unknown reasons.Provenance: Private collection Milan, Italy.Published in: “Khmer Bronzes: New Interpretations of the Past”, Emma C. Bunker & Douglas Latchford Editore: Art Media Resources Ltd, Chicago (2011), Pag. 270 e 265.