Ayutthaya Buddha Statues

The Ayutthaya period began after the establishment of Ayutthaya as the capital city by King Ramathibodi I (King U Thong) in the 10th century A.D. The city survived until its second defeat in the 18th century at the hands of the Burmese troops.

The Buddha statues from this period are usually characterized by the distinctive hair frame and two small lines carved above the upper lip and the eyes, a feature that has survived into the current Rattanakosin period. Buddha statues from the Ayutthaya era fall into three distinct categories.

Early Ayutthaya Period: Art during the early Ayutthaya period was 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. Two 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 bases also became more decorative for the seated Buddha statues.

A lion legged base was developed and the frontal decorative banner or 'Pha Thip' at the base with filled with elaborate designs and ornamentation.