Burmese Pagoda Relic - 18th-19th Century Serpent King Naga Protecting Buddha Mandala

A Buddha statue recovered from a collapsed pagoda in the Mandalay region of Myanmar. A mandala devotional image. The principal figure is the Serpent King Naga, guardian of the Buddha, accompanied by three celestial attendants. It stands on a cage-like base. This design allows the Buddha statue and small bronze figures to be placed within for safekeeping during transport. ************************** Naga - Mucalinda, the Serpent King (Mucalinda). Protector of the Buddha. According to the *Collection of Sutras on the Buddha's Deeds*, Volume 31: When the Buddha rose from beneath the Bodhi tree and sat contemplating under a tree by the Mucalinda Lake, rain fell incessantly for seven days. Mucalinda, the Serpent King, emerged, coiled himself around the Buddha seven times, and spread his hood over the Buddha's head, shielding the Enlightened One from all distress. The estimated period is the 18th-19th century (the antique dealer who brought it to Taiwan believes it to be even older...). Having handled artifacts for many years... it is prudent to conservatively estimate a slightly older age. The bronze alloy exterior has been cleaned. Most of the hard, cement-like soil, along with some green patina and oxidation, has been removed from the Buddha statue. ************************ Myanmar is a country with strict regulations on exporting cultural artifacts. Antique relics are prohibited from being taken out of the country. This includes Buddha statues and metal artifacts like prayer beads!!! 78000-114.01.12