Dark Patinated Walking Buddha in Vitarka Mudra
Material: Brass
Origin: Thailand
Height: 40 cm
Code: TS-006
The Walking Buddha image, or “Phra Leela” in Thai, is a distinctive feature of Thai Buddha statues in the 13th century, the era of Sukhothai.
It represents the Buddha walking among peope, an emphasis of his earthly aspect and conveying the direct assembly of his teachings.
According to the modern national Thai history, Sukhothai is regarded as the first capital of Thailand, followed by Ayuthaya, Thonburi and Rattankosin or Bangkok as it is known today. This was attributed to the late 19th century by King Mongkut, Rama IV, who incorporated Sukhothai into Thailand's "national history". King Mongkut is considered the champion of Sukhothai narrative history based on his finding the "Number One Stone Inscription", the 'first evidence' telling the history of Sukhothai.
Sukhothai's architecture, religious practice and language influenced the Ayutthayan era and subsequent generations significantly.
The Sukhothai style is the first in Asia to depict the Buddha in four canonical poses: namely Seated, Standing, Walking and Reclining.
Statues of Sukhothai style feature a serene face, high curving eyebrows, hairlock, sharp nose, a downward gaze, gentle smile and a flame-like unisha (influenced by Sri Lanka), soft flowing lines, rendering of the robe and motion (in the case of a walking buddha statue).
Notice the wavy and elegant flow lines of the robe of the buddha in movement, a distinctive feature of Sukhothai-styled statues.
Also notice the Royal Emblem at the base.