Origin: Nepal Dimensions: 13" (33.0cm) high x 12.25" (31.1cm) wide Collection: Asian Medium: Metal

Origin: Nepal Dimensions: 13" (33.0cm) high x 12.25" (31.1cm) wide Collection: Asian Medium: Metal   « Less

Origin: Nepal Circa: 1600 AD to 1700 AD Dimensions: 9.5" (24.1cm) high x 8.5" (21.6cm) wide Collection: Asian Art Medium: Stone

Origin: Nepal Circa: 1600 AD to 1700 AD Dimensions: 9.5" (24.1cm) high x 8.5" (21.6cm) wide Collection: Asian Art Medium: Stone   « Less

Origin: Nepal Circa: 1800 AD to 1900 AD Dimensions: 3.35" (8.5cm) high x 2.3 " (5.8cm) wide Collection: Asian Medium: Clay

Origin: Nepal Circa: 1800 AD to 1900 AD Dimensions: 3.35" (8.5cm) high x 2.3 " (5.8cm) wide Collection: Asian Medium: Clay   « Less

Origin: nepal Circa: 1800 AD to 1900 AD Dimensions: 5.15" (13.1cm) high x 3.75" (9.5cm) wide Collection: Asian Medium: Stone

Origin: nepal Circa: 1800 AD to 1900 AD Dimensions: 5.15" (13.1cm) high x 3.75" (9.5cm) wide Collection: Asian Medium: Stone   « Less

Origin: Nepal Circa: 1800 AD to 1900 AD Dimensions: 14.60 " (37.1cm) high x 9" (22.9cm) wide Collection: Asian Art Medium: Gilt Copper

Origin: Nepal Circa: 1800 AD to 1900 AD Dimensions: 14.60 " (37.1cm) high x 9" (22.9cm) wide Collection: Asian Art Medium: Gilt Copper   « Less

Origin: Nepal Circa: 12 th Century AD to 16 th Century AD Dimensions: 15" (38.1cm) high x 3" (7.6cm) wide Collection: Asian Medium: Bronze

Origin: Nepal Circa: 12 th Century AD to 16 th Century AD Dimensions: 15" (38.1cm) high x 3" (7.6cm) wide Collection: Asian Medium: Bronze   « Less

Historically, the Sukhothai kingdom is regarded as the first Thai kingdom. According to legend, the city of Sukhothai was founded in 1238 A.D. by two Thai chieftains who  More »

Historically, the Sukhothai kingdom is regarded as the first Thai kingdom. According to legend, the city of Sukhothai was founded in 1238 A.D. by two Thai chieftains who rebelled against their Khmer overlords and established their own independent kingdom. One of these chieftains became the first king of Sukhothai, known from then on as Sri Indraditya. The kingdom quickly expanded its territory by force as well as through a network of marriage alliances with neighboring Thai states. By the reign of Ramkhamhaeng, the younger son of Sri Indraditya, the kingdom had become one of the most powerful states in Southeast Asia. Its borders now stretched from Burma in the west to Laos in the east and the Malay peninsula in the south. The era of Sukhothai, which literally means “dawn of happiness,” is generally considered to be the cradle of Thai culture, and Ramkhamhaeng is revered as the father of the Thai nation.While the Sukhothai kingdom was initially indebted to Khmer art and architecture, as is evident in the earliest ruins of the city, over time the kingdom became increasingly influenced by the art and religion of Sri Lanka, all the while maintaining a uniquely Thai character. Under the Sukhothai Dynasty, the Ceylonese school of Theravada Buddhism flourished and the major cities of the kingdom became centers of Buddhist learning complete with magnificent monasteries. Sukhothai style Buddhist sculptures are famed for their stylized elegance. Sukhothai artists are also noted for introducing the form of the “walking Buddha” into the cannon of Buddhist sculpture. Although this era is considered to be a golden age of Thai culture, the kingdom began to decline after the death of Ramkhamhaeng, due in part to the rise of Lan Na as well as the breakdown of a number of principalities into independent states.Buddha, "The Enlightened One", lived in India in the 6th century B.C. He taught a philosophy of righteousness, designed to help achieve nirvana that entwined the active and the contemplative life. He believed peace of mind could be achieved through meditation. The religion Buddha established spread throughout Asia and has flourished continuously until the present. Skilled artists from many Asian cultures have portrayed Buddha as the personification of his philosophical ideals. This serene statue depicts a standing Buddha, deep in prayer. His air of tranquility is timeless. When we gaze upon it, no matter what our personal beliefs, we cannot help but feel tranquil ourselves. - (FZ.223)   « Less

Historically, the Sukhothai kingdom is regarded as the first Thai kingdom. According to legend, the city of Sukhothai was founded in 1238 A.D. by two Thai chieftains who  More »

Historically, the Sukhothai kingdom is regarded as the first Thai kingdom. According to legend, the city of Sukhothai was founded in 1238 A.D. by two Thai chieftains who rebelled against their Khmer overlords and established their own independent kingdom. One of these chieftains became the first king of Sukhothai, known from then on as Sri Indraditya. The kingdom quickly expanded its territory by force as well as through a network of marriage alliances with neighboring Thai states. By the reign of Ramkhamhaeng, the younger son of Sri Indraditya, the kingdom had become one of the most powerful states in Southeast Asia. Its borders now stretched from Burma in the west to Laos in the east and the Malay peninsula in the south. The era of Sukhothai, which literally means “dawn of happiness,” is generally considered to be the cradle of Thai culture, and Ramkhamhaeng is revered as the father of the Thai nation.While the Sukhothai kingdom was initially indebted to Khmer art and architecture, as is evident in the earliest ruins of the city, over time the kingdom became increasingly influenced by the art and religion of Sri Lanka, all the while maintaining a uniquely Thai character. Under the Sukhothai Dynasty, the Ceylonese school of Theravada Buddhism flourished and the major cities of the kingdom became centers of Buddhist learning complete with magnificent monasteries. Sukhothai style Buddhist sculptures are famed for their stylized elegance. Sukhothai artists are also noted for introducing the form of the “walking Buddha” into the cannon of Buddhist sculpture. Although this era is considered to be a golden age of Thai culture, the kingdom began to decline after the death of Ramkhamhaeng, due in part to the rise of Lan Na as well as the breakdown of a number of principalities into independent states.Small, but precious, this mounted Buddha head possesses the stylistic features characteristic of Sukhothai sculptures, including the arching brows that merge into the bridge of the nose and the gently undulating lines of the eyelids and smiling mouth. Round-curled hair covers the head and topknot, which was understood as a cranial protuberance by many Southeast Asians. An effigy is carved on the top center of the head to symbolize perfect wisdom. All the spirituality of Buddhism is contained in this figure, as much in the gently spreading smile on the smooth face, as in the meditative, pious, inward-looking expression which is emphasized by the closed eyes. His reflective and mysterious demure reflects the Buddhist ideal of an upright and charitable life, in which all desire is suppressed and total detachment achieved. This Buddha is a model of gentle humanity. - (FZ.345)   « Less

Historically, the Sukhothai kingdom is regarded as the first Thai kingdom. According to legend, the city of Sukhothai was founded in 1238 A.D. by two Thai chieftains who  More »

Historically, the Sukhothai kingdom is regarded as the first Thai kingdom. According to legend, the city of Sukhothai was founded in 1238 A.D. by two Thai chieftains who rebelled against their Khmer overlords and established their own independent kingdom. One of these chieftains became the first king of Sukhothai, known from then on as Sri Indraditya. The kingdom quickly expanded its territory by force as well as through a network of marriage alliances with neighboring Thai states. By the reign of Ramkhamhaeng, the younger son of Sri Indraditya, the kingdom had become one of the most powerful states in Southeast Asia. Its borders now stretched from Burma in the west to Laos in the east and the Malay peninsula in the south. The era of Sukhothai, which literally means “dawn of happiness,” is generally considered to be the cradle of Thai culture, and Ramkhamhaeng is revered as the father of the Thai nation.While the Sukhothai kingdom was initially indebted to Khmer art and architecture, as is evident in the earliest ruins of the city, over time the kingdom became increasingly influenced by the art and religion of Sri Lanka, all the while maintaining a uniquely Thai character. Under the Sukhothai Dynasty, the Ceylonese school of Theravada Buddhism flourished and the major cities of the kingdom became centers of Buddhist learning complete with magnificent monasteries. Sukhothai style Buddhist sculptures are famed for their stylized elegance. Sukhothai artists are also noted for introducing the form of the “walking Buddha” into the cannon of Buddhist sculpture. Although this era is considered to be a golden age of Thai culture, the kingdom began to decline after the death of Ramkhamhaeng, due in part to the rise of Lan Na as well as the breakdown of a number of principalities into independent states.The region known as Kamphaeng Phet is of province in the lower Northern Region of the modern nation of Thailand. However, centuries ago, the ancient city which bestowed its name upon this province was an important center during the height of the Sukhothai Kingdom. According to legend, the city was established in 1347 during the reign of King Ler Thai (the fourth king of the Sukhothai Dynasty) along the banks of the Mae Nam Ping River. Alternately known both as “Cha Kang Rao” and “Nakhon Chum” throughout its history, the city was one of the most important fortified towns along the kingdoms northern frontier that grew to become recognized as a subsidiary capital. In fact, the name Kamphaeng Phet literally means, “as strong as walls made of diamonds,” reflecting the city’s status as a defensive fortress. Today, impressive ruins dotting the Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park reveal the glorious past of this ancient city.This type of standing Buddha is commonly referred to as the “walking Buddha.” Apparently, this posture appears to illustrate certain texts that were recorded during the Sukhothai period. Specifically, this form seems to relate to the Buddha as described in canons written during the reign of Ramkhamheng in the late 13th Century. In the city of Sukhothai, representations of the walking Buddha were found placed against the walls of temples. One hand is traditionally held in the Abhaya mudra, which symbolizes protection, benevolence, and peace, while the other arm hangs beside the body. Sometimes, one leg is portrayed advancing forwards of the other, contributing to the designation of these figures as walking. This magnificent bronze walking Buddha reveals that this type was as popular in the subsidiary capitals as it was in Sukhothai. The flame emerging from the Buddha's ushisa is directly related to earlier examples from Sri Lanka, revealing the influence this island has on the emerging Thai kingdom. - (X.0247)   « 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. - (X.0261)   « Less