16th-Century Ayutthaya Bronze Buddha – Khanom Thom Style
Description
Exceptional 16th-century Ayutthaya bronze Buddha statue, attributed to the Khanom Thom style, a distinctive form of Ayutthaya Buddhist sculpture known for its powerful, compact proportions.
The Buddha is seated in vajrasana, with both feet turned upward upon the opposite thighs, and displays the Bhumisparsha mudra, the “Calling the Earth to Witness” gesture. Characteristic Khanom Thom features include the substantial body, distinctive finial, the small projecting fold of the sanghati, and the particular treatment of the lotus petals.
The sculpture dates to an important period of Ayutthaya history when several members of the royal lineage were connected by blood to the former Sukhothai royal house, including King Naresuan. This refers to the dynastic history of the period rather than to a Sukhothai stylistic attribution.
Particularly noteworthy is the survival of original lacquer, together with the characteristic orange-red ground of Ayutthaya statuary, comparable to surfaces preserved on related period sculptures in Bangkok museum collections. An old mortar addition is present at the bottom, while areas of the original ground remain visible.
At 66 cm (26 in.) high, approximately 15 in. (38 cm) knee-to-knee, and weighing around 23 kg (50.7 lbs), this is an unusually large and impressive example of antique Ayutthaya Buddhist sculpture.
Similar Khanom Thom examples can be found in specialist literature, including the publications of Lopetcharat on Thai Buddha images.
Specifications
Period: 16th century
Culture: Thai, Ayutthaya
Style: Khanom Thom
Material: Bronze
Mudra: Bhumisparsha
Posture: Vajrasana
Height: 66 cm / 26 in
Width: 15 in / 38 cm knee-to-knee
Weight: approx. 23 kg / 50.7 lbs
Surface: Original lacquer and Ayutthaya orange-red ground
Condition: Antique condition, with old mortar addition to base