Buddha Statue - Antique Thai Style Chiang Rung Seated Enlightenment Buddha Statue - 104cm/42"

Buddha Statue - Antique Thai Style Chiang Rung Seated Enlightenment Buddha Statue - 104cm/42"

Measures - (Height) 104cm/42"

An antique Thai style Chiang Rung Buddha seated, in virasana, cross-legged symbol of Serenity, with both hands in the Bhumisparsa or 'Calling Earth to Witness' mudra. Here Buddha is sat upon a high pedestal, decorated with the head of an elephant, with downcast eyes offering peace and serenity. 

With fingers slightly touching the ground this position represents the subduing of Mara (a demon) who bombarded Buddha with demons, monsters, violent storms and the three seductive daughters. Remaining steadfast the Buddha testified to his meritorious past by pointing to the earth and calling the Earth Goddess, Thorani.

Rising from the ground the Earth Goddess wrings the water from her long black hair. By this action she raises a torrential flood that drowns Mara and his army of demons. Reflecting this story the mudra symbolizes enlightenment, as well as steadfastness and Buddha's achievement of perfection or nirvana.

This Chiang Rung style of Buddha is a distinctive and historically significant artistic tradition of Buddha statues in northern Thailand. This style is characterized by the unique aesthetic features, intricate details, and profound spiritual symbolism. 

The Chiang Rung style originated in the north of Thailand, near the borders of Myanmar (Burma) and Laos. The area was a significant centre of Buddhist art and culture during the Lanna period, which spanned from the 13th to the 18th centuries.

Buddhist art in this region was influenced by the Theravada tradition and was characterized by its unique interpretations of Buddha images. Chiang Rung style sculptures have also been found in neighboring regions, such as Laos and parts of Myanmar, reflecting the cultural exchange and impact of Chiang Rung art.

The Chiang Rung style of Buddha is distinguished by several key characteristics that set it apart from other Buddha sculptures:

1. Graceful and Elegant Posture: This Chiang Rung Buddha is seated with graceful, flowing robes that drape the body. 

2. Intricate Details: The Buddha has meticulous attention to detail. The facial features, such as the almond-shaped eyes, the delicate nose, and the gentle smile, are finely crafted to convey a sense of serenity and compassion. 

3. Elongated Features: The Chiang Rung style emphasises an elongation of the Buddha's proportions, creating a sense of elegance and grace. Here, this elongation extends to the fingers, hands, and torso, giving the Buddha a uniquely stylised appearance.

4. Hair and Ushnisha: Here the hair on the Chiang Rung Buddha statue is depicted as tight curls. The ushnisha (a cranial bump symbolizing spiritual wisdom) is prominently featured. A loose mounted lotus bud sits atop the ushnisha. The lotus flower represents the attaining of enlightenment and the ultimate fulfilment that follows. This symbol is heavily used in Eastern religions, which is why it can appear as both a held item or a seat. Some say that as the lotus flower grows in dirty water but becomes something beautiful, it demonstrates how we must forget our attachments to the material world around us and focus on our inner spirituality in order to seek happiness.

5. Draped Robes: The Buddha's robes are gracefully draped, emphasising the fluidity and elegance of the design. The folds of the robes are meticulously carved and contribute to the overall sense of movement and tranquility.
   

The Buddha is formed of 3 interlocking pieces, the pedestal, the Buddha statue and the  lotus bud on his ushnisha. 

This traditional in appearance piece is sure to bring serenity to your home, office or sacred space.

To aid with safe transport your Buddha will be packed in a wood crated before shipping. 

One of the most recognizable of the Asian deities this representation of the spiritual teacher Buddha is sure to enlighten your home with endlessly timeless style.

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