Sculpture

The visitor to Thailand will immediately notice the great importance of sculpture in Thai religious belief and culture. Icons of the Buddha can be seen in temples, caves, on mountains and in virtually every house nationwide. Even the smallest shack dwelling will find space somewhere for a Buddhist icon.

Of all the artistic disciplines in Thailand, sculpture is perhaps the most distinguished. The classic images of serenity and inner peace found in Thai sculptures of the Buddha are well known internationally. Yet the unknown artists who produced these masterpieces over the centuries did not consider their work to be art. They were originally produced for specific religious purposes, not just to please the eye.

Images of the Buddha were never meant to look like an actual person. The sculptures closely followed 32 rules, originally devised in India in the 3rd century AD, which aimed to distinguish the Buddha as a supernatural entity, not to be confused with mortal beings. The 'ushnisha', or cranial protuberance, symbolizing the wisdom of the Buddha, is one such feature. The limbs are long and show little evidence of muscle or bone. In combination, the 32 features portray the profound spiritual purity and serenity of the Buddha.

Nonetheless, over the centuries, local craftsmen gradually added to or enhanced the old forms creating distinct regional styles. After many centuries, these styles have changed in subtle and sometimes dramatic ways.

Buddhist Symbolism
Since ancient times, Buddhist icons have been produced with specific postures ('asana') and attitudes ('mudra') to represent the key Buddhist themes. The four basic postures are standing, sitting, walking and reclining. The first three relate to the Buddha's daily life, while the latter represents the Buddha's extinction of desire or nirvana, achieved at death.

Sculptors followed around 40 'mudras', but only a dozen or so are found commonly and the 'bhumisparsa' or 'touching the earth' attitude is the most prevalent.

Touching the Earth (Bhumisparsa)
Symbolizes the Buddha's enlightenment, achieved during meditation under a Bodhi tree. The right hand touching the ground represents the Buddha's signal to the Earth Goddess (Mae Toranee) to witness his resistance to the Mara-the demons of desire.

Meditation (Dhyana)
In meditation, the Buddha is depicted in the seated position, with both hands resting palm up, right over left, in the lap.

Reassurance (Abhaya)
Represents the Buddha's offer of protection to his followers. One or both hands are held up, palms forward. Usually seen on standing or walking images.

Exposition (Vitarkha)
Symbolizes the Buddha's first public discourse in a deer park in Sarnath, India. The thumb and forefinger of one hand form a circle, representing the wheel of law.

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