Antique Thai gilt cast bronze figure of a recumbent temple deer. These sika deer are closely associated with the Buddha because of his "Teaching in the Deer Park" in Sarnath. Buddha's teaching, or "Spinning the Wheel of the Law" further links the deer to this sacred event. Thus deer are often depicted with the Wheel of the Law, or Dharmachakra in a temple setting. With one leg bent under his body and one outstretched, the deer turns a long, graceful neck to look back over it's shoulder.

Age: 19th century

Dimensions: 20" high x 22" long x 6" wide