The Thai Buddha Image
The Development of Buddha Images in Thailand
For over 2500 years Thailand has been under the peaceful shelter of Buddhism. The Buddha’s teachings (Dharma) colour almost every aspect of life within the kingdom, uniting the people into a harmonious, peace-loving society.
Images of the Buddha were originally created as an object of worship and as a means of spreading the Buddha’s message. Accordingly the images were designed not simply to represent the Buddha’s physical characteristics but his teachings too.
Overtime, and in different locations within the kingdom, the specific form of Buddha images has undergone subtle changes, creating visibly different characteristics that reflect the cultural values, craftsmanship and the influences of neighbouring countries of the period.
Images of the Buddha were originally created as an object of worship and as a means of spreading the Buddha’s message. Accordingly the images were designed not simply to represent the Buddha’s physical characteristics but his teachings too.
Overtime, and in different locations within the kingdom, the specific form of Buddha images has undergone subtle changes, creating visibly different characteristics that reflect the cultural values, craftsmanship and the influences of neighbouring countries of the period.
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