Naga Buddha Statue Value Guide

This early 20th-century Cambodian statue depicts the Buddha sheltered by the multi-headed serpent king, Mucalinda, during a legendary storm. Carved from soapstone between 1900 and 1940, these pieces are highly collectible for their representation of divine protection and Southeast Asian craftsmanship.

What Is Naga Buddha Statue Worth?

The typical price range for Naga Buddha Statue is $100 - $150 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The intricacy and depth of the carving on the Naga's scales and the Buddha's facial expression.
• Overall condition of the soapstone, specifically the absence of major chips or cracks in the delicate serpent heads.
• The presence of a natural patina or signs of age consistent with the 1900-1940 production era.
• The size of the statue, with larger, more detailed examples reaching the higher end of the $100-$150 range.

How to Identify Naga Buddha Statue?

• Look for the specific seven-fold coil of the Naga's body acting as a throne for the meditating Buddha.
• Examine the material for the characteristic soft, waxy texture and weight associated with authentic soapstone.
• Verify the presence of a multi-headed hood (usually seven heads) spread protectively over the Buddha's head.
• Check for stylistic markers of early 20th-century Cambodian carving, such as specific facial features and traditional robes.

History of Naga Buddha Statue

The iconography of Buddha protected by a Naga, specifically Mucalinda, stems from Buddhist lore. It recounts how Mucalinda, the serpent king, shielded the meditating Buddha from a severe storm by coiling his body seven times around him and spreading his hood over Buddha's head. This imagery is particularly prevalent in Southeast Asian Buddhist art, symbolizing divine protection and the Buddha's steadfastness.