Origin: Nepal Circa: 1600 AD to 1700 AD Dimensions: 7.1" (18.0cm) high x 4.0" (10.2cm) wide Collection: Asian Art Style: Newari Medium: Wood, Terracotta

Origin: Nepal Circa: 1600 AD to 1700 AD Dimensions: 7.1" (18.0cm) high x 4.0" (10.2cm) wide Collection: Asian Art Style: Newari Medium: Wood, Terracotta   « Less

Origin: Nepal Circa: 1600 AD to 1700 AD Dimensions: 22" (55.9cm) high x 9.0" (22.9cm) wide Collection: Asian Art Style: Newari Medium: Grey Stone

Origin: Nepal Circa: 1600 AD to 1700 AD Dimensions: 22" (55.9cm) high x 9.0" (22.9cm) wide Collection: Asian Art Style: Newari Medium: Grey Stone   « Less

Origin: Nepal Circa: 1400 AD to 1700 AD Dimensions: 21.5 " (54.6cm) high x 15" (38.1cm) wide Collection: Asian Style: Nepalese Medium: Stone Condition: Very Fine

Origin: Nepal Circa: 1400 AD to 1700 AD Dimensions: 21.5 " (54.6cm) high x 15" (38.1cm) wide Collection: Asian Style: Nepalese Medium: Stone Condition: Very Fine   « Less

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  More »

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.A magnificent display of artistic and philosophical workmanship, this Buddha head mounted on a wooden block radiates with the serenity and peacefulness experienced in the state of Nirvana. Liberated from the cycle of individual existence, the figure enters a stage of transcendental existence, neither knowing or being known, it becomes enlightened. The profound meaning of simplicity and delicacy are demonstrated through the soft, subtle curvature of the face and the space of emptiness in its meditative expression. Elongated earlobes, stucco coiffure, and the shaft of fire emanating from the topknot of the head signify the stylistic character of images from Theravada Buddhism.this piece is not just a figure to be admired for its religious quality, but it is truly an example of how religious practices fuel the human invention of art. It is a masterpiece of timeless beauty and remains to be object of awe and veneration. - (FZ.346)   « Less

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  More »

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.Under the Ayutthaya dynasties, Siamese culture flourished. The capital city of Ayutthaya was full of magnificent palaces and temples, adorned with elegant sculptures. Buddhism was the principal religion of the kingdom, and Buddhist influence was felt in every aspect of daily life and culture. This serenely beautiful head shows a contemplative Buddha with downcast eyes. Its mood of peaceful calm and benevolence touches all who gaze upon it, no matter what their beliefs. - (PF.1266)   « Less

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  More »

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)   « Less

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  More »

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 conveys the serenity and peacefulness associated with this great religious figure. His eyes are focused downwards, perhaps looking towards a sacred object he once held or possibly admiring the landscape or temple in which he was once situated. Maybe the completed sculpture was displayed in a raised altar and the Buddha was intended to gaze down at his followers. An inner calm and complacency is visible on his face and in his sweet smile. His ears droop down from the weight of heavy ear ornaments. The Buddha’s distinctive tightly curled hairstyle is typical of Thai representations. A flame of enlightenment rises from the top of his head, a symbol of the Buddha’s infinite wisdom. The sculpture has masterfully molded the subtle folds of fat around his neck, again indicative of the spiritual fullness and inner self-satisfaction embodied by the Buddha. Overall, this exquisite sculptural fragment beautifully memorializes one of history greatest holy figures. - (FZ.399)   « Less

After the destruction of Ayutthaya in 1767 by the Burmese, King Tak Sin the Great drove out the invaders and reunified the country, establishing a new capital at Thonburi, a  More »

After the destruction of Ayutthaya in 1767 by the Burmese, King Tak Sin the Great drove out the invaders and reunified the country, establishing a new capital at Thonburi, a strategic river port town at the mouth of the Chao Phraya River. After Tak Sin was deposed, Thong Duang was chosen as king, known as Rama I, establishing the Chakri Dynasty which continues to reign over Thailand to this day. He moved the capital across the banks of the Chao Phraya River to its present location of Bangkok. The art of this period is known as the Rattanakosin style, although it is also referred to as the Bangkok style. Naturally, Rattanakosin art carried on many of the traditions of the Ayutthayan style, thereby establishing a link with the past.The historical figure, Buddha Gautama Sakyamuni is the Buddha of compassion who, having achieved the highest evolutionary perfection, turns suffering into happiness for all living beings. Born around 560 B.C. somewhere between the hills of south Nepal and the Rapti river, his father was a Raja who ruled over the northeastern province of India, the district including the holy Ganges River. The young prince was married to Yashoda when he was about 17 years old and together they had a son named Rahula. At the age of 29, he left his life of luxury, as he felt compelled to purify his body and make it an instrument of the mind by ridding himself of earthly impulses and temptations. Here, the Buddha is represented kneeling upon a rectangular pedestal. The Buddha displays calm and peaceful expression. Such expression reveals the clear, pure state of his mind that is separate from the carnal world. He wears a large crown that hangs down to the ears in the form of foliated wings. He also wears a diamond shaped pectoral piece, a large beaded neckpiece, and an ornate garment that cascades over his body. The wing shaped decoration motif is also attached on the Buddha's arms and knees. This beautiful gilt Buddha figure shows one's purest effort and energy to reach the goodness and the rectitude within. And as the beloved symbol of a religion, this gilt Buddha perhaps was placed in a temple or a shrine to be cherished and worshiped. - (PF.6246)   « Less

After the destruction of Ayutthaya in 1767 by the Burmese, King Tak Sin the Great drove out the invaders and reunified the country, establishing a new capital at Thonburi, a  More »

After the destruction of Ayutthaya in 1767 by the Burmese, King Tak Sin the Great drove out the invaders and reunified the country, establishing a new capital at Thonburi, a strategic river port town at the mouth of the Chao Phraya River. After Tak Sin was deposed, Thong Duang was chosen as king, known as Rama I, establishing the Chakri Dynasty which continues to reign over Thailand to this day. He moved the capital across the banks of the Chao Phraya River to its present location of Bangkok. The art of this period is known as the Rattanakosin style, although it is also referred to as the Bangkok style. Naturally, Rattanakosin art carried on many of the traditions of the Ayutthayan style, thereby establishing a link with the past.Buddhist works of art such as this beautiful bronze Buddha often have symbolic elements that relate to the very early stages in the development of this highly complex religion. Elements of nature were an integral part of the early religions of India. The roots of Buddhism formed an alliance with these ancient popular cults of the soil and nature, including nature-spirits. In this example, the bronze Buddha sits on the coiled body of a Naga, the ancient Indian spirit of water that takes the form of a cobra. The seven-headed snake forms a dramatic nimbus around the upper portion of the Buddha, framing the Buddha's expressive face. The Buddha’s distinctive tightly curled hairstyle is typical of Thai representations. A flame of enlightenment rises from the top of his ushnisa, a symbol of the Buddha’s infinite wisdom. The sculptor has masterfully molded the subtle folds of fat around his neck, again indicative of the spiritual fullness and inner peace embodied by the Buddha. The Buddha wears a robe decorated in floral motifs, a type specific to the Rattanakosin era, from the reign of Rama III onward (1824 A.D.) Overall, this exquisite sculpture beautifully memorializes one of history greatest holy figures. - (PF.6245)   « Less

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  More »

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.The historical figure, Buddha Gautama Sakyamuni is the Buddha of compassion who, having achieved the highest evolutionary perfection, turns suffering into happiness for all living beings. Born around 560 B.C. somewhere between the hills of south Nepal and the Rapti River, his father was a Raja who ruled over the northeastern province of India, the district including the holy Ganges River. The young prince was married to Yashoda when he was about 17 years old and together they had a son named Rahula. At the age of 29, he left his life of luxury, as he felt compelled to purify his body and make it an instrument of the mind by ridding himself of earthly impulses and temptations. Here, the Buddha stands upon a lotus pedestal, forming the double Abhaya Mudra, also known as the Gesture of Fearlessness. This hand gesture symbolizes protection, benevolence, and peace. He is dressed in full royal regalia, complete with crown, earrings, and bejeweled robe. This representation of the Buddha relates to an episode from the Mahajambupati Sutra where the Sakyamuni dresses in this regal style in order to humble a vain monarch named King Mahajambu. The general appearance associated with the Buddha characterizes him partly as a noble human being and ideal ruler and partly as superhuman. - (PF.6247)   « Less