Buddha Protected by the Naga at The Guimet Museum, Paris

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This sculpture depicts a Buddha sitting in deep meditation on the coils of the naga Mucilinda, which represents a pivotal moment in the life of Sakyamuni according to one interpretation. The naga, inhabiting the surrounding waters, was about to swallow up the Buddha lost in contemplation when it intervened by deploying multiple heads that appear here protecting the figure from harm. Seated atop the coiled body of the snake, the Buddha appears tranquil and serene. Its hieratic style, reminiscent of tenth century art, is characterized by an abundance of adornment typical of Angkor Wat statues. The wide face presented in a square format features an artificial morphology and stylized patterned mask crossed by sharp and continuous brows. This iconic representation of the Buddha protected by the naga has become an archetypal image in Cambodia, emerging at the beginning of the tenth century and gaining immense popularity in Angkorian statues. In this country, the naga is deeply connected to the origins of the Khmer kingdom, making this representation particularly significant. This object is part of "Scan The World," a non-profit initiative launched by MyMiniFactory that aims to create a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures and artworks from around the world for public access. By contributing interesting items, individuals can help build this open-source community project by emailing stw@myminifactory.com.