Monk Upagupta. Chiang Saen, Lan Na kingdom. XVII century

Extremely rare and valuable image of the monk Upagupta. Chiang Saen, Lan Na kingdom. Seventeenth century, northern Thailand.
Bronze.
Green patina.
Good state of preservation.
Measurements: 61 x 42 x 28 cm.

This is a piece of unusual value, given its uniqueness in theme and treatment. It is the representation of the monk Upagupta, belonging to the kingdom of Lan Na. According to some accounts of the Sanskrit text Ashokavadana, this monk was the spiritual master of the emperor Mauryan Ashoka. Seated cross-legged in the lotus posture (symbol of purity), he holds an alms bowl in his hands. It is a bronze of remarkable workmanship and special delicacy, which can be appreciated in the symmetry of the features, in the stylized torso and in the elegance of the hands. He is seated on a throne with the lower part openwork and the upper part chiseled with petals inspired by the lotus flower. Also, we identify on the head several lakshana or specific symbols of the plastic representation of Buddhas and bodhisattvas of sacred significance, such as the eyelids rolled up, symbol of spiritual concentration and also of purity, for its similarity with the petals of the lotus. The serene and symmetrical face is a symbol of balance and serenity of a perfect being. Finally we also see the elongated earlobes, which allude to the large earrings worn by members of the upper classes and represent the concepts of greatness, nobility and wisdom.

Legend has it that Upagupta traveled to the kingdom of Mathura and preached the Dharma with great success. This caused the palace of Mãra to tremble, which caused the deity to use his destructive powers against the Dharma. When Upagupta entered samadhi, Mãra approached him and slipped a jade necklace around his neck; but Upagupta reciprocated by transforming the corpses of a man, a dog and a snake into a garland and gifted it to Mara. When Mara discovered the true nature of the gift, she sought Brahma's help to remove it. Brahma informed her that because the necklace was bestowed by an advanced disciple of the Buddha, its effects could only be mitigated by taking refuge in Upagupta. Thus Mãra returned to the human realm where she prostrated before the monk and repented. On Upagupta's recommendation, she vowed never to harm the Dharma and took refuge in the Three Jewels.