Aong Teu Buddha Image

No construction history is available, but it is assumed that it was built in the same period with Aong Teu Buddha image at Wat Chaiyapoom, Vientiane, which was built in 1566 according to information in an inscription. However, the inscription mentions that this Buddha image was built in 1561. Both images were in the early 22^nd century.

Bronze

This Buddha image is seated in meditation posture with subduing Mara attitude. The face is long and of oval shape. The hair bud is small and the halo is flame-like. The facial expression is austere and the facial lines are not visible. The eyes and noses are small and the mouth is large. The monastic robe is sliding and the edge extends to the abdomen. All the fingers are of even length. The image is seated on a base decorated with lotus petals.

This is an example of Lanchang Buddha image showing influence from Lanna art.

1. This Buddha image has uneven bronze crafting, showing a poor production technique. This might be because the image was very large and was restored by pasting bronze flakes throughout.

2. This Buddha image shows a strong influence from Lanna art, which is different from Lanna Buddha images in the later period that usually had deep cut facial lines, small mouths, thick lips, slender body and fingers that are large and of the same length.

3. The word “Teu” is a measuring unit used in Lanna. It is assumed that Lanna received this influence during the reign of King Chetthathiraj when he ruled Lanna for a certain period of time.

According to a legend, King Chetthathiraj had a will to produce Aong Teu at Ban Namnong and allow locals to take part in thus merit making event. Both the locals and visitors brought brass, totaling of 1 Teu. Each part was produced separately. When the day was over, each part was left in the kiln. When people returned the next day, they discovered that all the parts were put together by an old man wearing white clothes.

1. Aong Teu at Wat Chaiyapoom, Vientiane, the Buddha image that shared similar production history with Aong Teu at Wat Sri Chompoo, Nongkhai.

2. Kao Teu Buddha image at Wat Suan Dok, Chiang Mai has very similar characteristics with this Aong Tue Buddha image.

ศักดิ์ชัย สายสิงห์. เจดีย์ พระพุทธรูป ฮูปแต้ม สิม ศิลปะลาวและอีสาน. กรุงเทพฯ: มิวเซียมเพรส, 2555.

สุรศักดิ์ ศรีสำอาง. ลำดับกษัตริย์ลาว. กรุงเทพฯ: สำนักโบราณคดีและพิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติ กรมศิลปากร, 2545.

ประภัสรร์ ชูวิเชียร. ศิลปะลาว. กรุงเทพฯ: มติชน, 2557.