Sunday 9 December 2007

The Thai Buddha Image - Ayutthaya Art

The Ayutthaya period began when King Ramathibodi I ( King U thong ) established Ayutthaya as a capital city in the 10th century A.D at the hands of the Burmese.


The Buddha mages from this period are characterised by the distinctive hair frame and 2 small lines carved above the upper lip and the eyes, a feature that was survived into the current Rattanakosin period. Buddha image at thatera falls into 3 distinct categories.

  • Early Ayutthaya Period: Influenced by Lopburi art, Buddha images carved out of stone were highly prized.
  • Middle Ayutthaya Period : By this time, Sukhothai characteristics had largely been adopted. The construction of large Buddha images became very popular and materials varied from gilded bronze to bronze plated and even brick and stucco. Postures included, seated reclining and standing.

  • Late Ayutthaya Period: In the later period the creation of bronze Buddha images in royal attire became very popular. 2 distinct styles gradually evolved; a Buddha in profusely adorned Emperor’s attire and a more moderate (though still regal) version that featured a crown or diadem with flanges covering both ears. The base also became more decorative for the seated Buddha images. A lion legged base was developed and the frontal decorative banner or ‘Pha Thip’ at the base was filled with elaborate designs and ornamentation.

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