The establishment of the new kingdom of
Ayutthaya in the middle of the 14th century and
the change of the political center of Thai power
from Sukhothai to Ayutthaya marked the
beginning of a new era of great cultural
prosperity. From the capital city of Ayutthaya
located at the confluence of three rivers (the
Chao Phraya, the Pasak, and the Lopburi) the
kingdom of Ayutthaya dominated Menam Basin
for over four centuries. However, it is clear that
this strategic geographical and economical site
had been settled by an ancient community, long
before King Ramathihodi I traditionally founded
the city. Ramathihodi I was a renowned warrior
and lawmaker. Under his leadership, and under
his immediate successors, the kingdom rapidly
expanded north towards Sukhothai and east
towards the Khmer capital of Angkor Wat, which
they managed to seize for a brief interval. Under
royal patronage, Buddhism flourished and
Ayutthaya became an important Buddhist center.
The rulers of this dynasty, like the rulers of the
Sukhothai Kingdom, patronized cultural and
religious intercourse between Sri Lanka and
Thailand and encouraged and supported the
development and propagation of Sihala
Buddhism in Thailand. Centuries of battles with
the Burmese would eventually culminate in the
sacking and burning of Ayutthaya in 1767, thus
ending one of the most prosperous and culturally
influential periods in Thai history.
This bronze sculpture of the Buddha’s head
masterfully conveys the profound serenity and
tranquility personified by this great religious
figure. His large, closed eyes reveal that the
Buddha is in a state of deep meditation. His
sweetly smiling face embodies an inner calm and
complacency, both with the world and with his
state of being. His ears droop down from the
weight of heavy ear ornaments. The Buddha’s
distinctive hairstyle is typical of Thai
representations. The coiffure of tight curls
covering his head has acquired a fabulously rich
patina in between the grooves over the ages.
The large flame rising from the top of his head is
symbolic of the Buddha’s enlightenment and his
infinite wisdom. The sculpture has also added
the subtle folds of fat around his neck, again
indicative of the fullness and self-satisfaction
characterized by the Buddha. Overall, this
exquisite sculptural fragment beautifully
memorializes one of history greatest holy
figures.
- (PF.5781)
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