Buddha

From the art style of the Buddha image, it was built during central Ayutthaya. The discovery inside the chest of Phra Ongkhonbophit also shows that it was built around 21^st-22^nd centuries B.E. From the art style of the Buddha image, it was built during central Ayutthaya. The discovery inside the chest of Phra Ongkhonbophit also shows that it was built around 21^st-22^nd centuries B.E.

Casting bronze, applying gold leaf on black coat

The Buddha image is in a standing position. Both hands are lifted and the palms are facing out; this is called “The attitude of forgiving” or “The attitude of stopping the rainstorm”.

The Buddha image wears a very thin rope so the strap of the rope can be seen clearly. The undergarment falls to the front of the rope.

The face of the Buddha image is quite round just like the Buddha images in central Ayutthaya. They wear the crown, round earrings, the style of the face frame is influenced by Sukhothai arts but the prototype is from Khmer arts.

The story behind building this Buddha image is connected to the story found in Jambupati-sutra. In the story, the Buddha showed his power over Maha Jamphu to loosen his ego. Maha Jamphu respected the Buddha very much until he decided to become a monk. He became an Arahant at the end.

This Buddha image was discovered inside the chest along with other images. The age of all the Buddha images combined prove that this Budhda image was built before the reign of Phrachao Songtham or central Ayutthaya. Moreover, there is an evidence of how small images are put inside the big ones.

The crown of this Buddha is equivalent to the one found on the wooden door of Phra Srisanphet temple.

Sakchai Saising. Buddha Images in Thailand, Style, Development, and Beliefs of Thai people. Bangkok: Department of Art History, Faculty of Archeology, Silpakorn University, 2013.

Santi Leksukhum. Ayutthaya Arts: The work of the royal land. 3rd edition, Bangkok: Ancient City, 2007.