Buddha Statue - Antique Thai Style Bronze Phitsanulok Chinnarat Buddha Statue - 20cm/8"

Buddha Statue - Antique Thai Style Bronze Phitsanulok Chinnarat Buddha Statue - 20cm/8"

An antique Thai‑style Phitsanulok Buddha, inspired by the revered Phra Phuttha Chinnarat image at Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat—known locally as Wat Yai—in Phitsanulok, Thailand.

Measuring 20cm / 8" high, this refined bronze captures the grace, serenity and distinctive flame‑rimmed silhouette that have made the Phra Phuttha Chinnarat one of Thailand’s most admired Buddha images.

The Buddha is seated in a poised cross‑legged virasana posture upon a substantial tiered base. His right hand reaches towards the earth in the Bhumisparsha mudra, also known as the “Calling the Earth to Witness” or “Subduing Mara” gesture.

This iconic pose recalls the moment of Enlightenment beneath the Bodhi tree, when the Buddha called upon the Earth Goddess, Thorani, to bear witness to his accumulated merit and his right to awaken.

According to the traditional account, Mara—the embodiment of death, desire and delusion—attempted to prevent the Buddha’s awakening by sending armies, violent storms and his seductive daughters. The Buddha remained unwavering. In response to his earth‑touching gesture, Thorani rose from the ground and wrung the waters of his past good deeds from her hair, creating a flood that swept away Mara and his forces. The image therefore embodies steadfastness, clarity and the triumph of wisdom over fear and illusion.

The Buddha’s face is serenely composed, with downcast, introspective eyes, a firm brow and softly modelled features. Tight curls rise to a tall, flame‑shaped ushnisha, signifying advanced spiritual attainment, while elongated earlobes recall Siddhartha’s former life as a prince, transformed through renunciation into symbols of inner wealth and compassionate listening.

A narrow robe falls elegantly over one shoulder, allowing the purity of the silhouette to remain the focus.

Behind the Buddha rises a dramatic flame‑rimmed aureole, a hallmark of the Phitsanulok / Phra Phuttha Chinnarat tradition. The aureole represents the radiance of awakened wisdom and gives the piece a powerful temple‑icon presence. It is detachable, allowing for careful handling, transport and flexible display.

The bronze displays a beautifully varied patina, with green and brown tonal changes that enhance the facial features, robe folds and flames of the halo. Traditional in inspiration yet strikingly sculptural, this Earth‑Touching Buddha will bring serenity, resilience and timeless Thai sacred style to a home, office, meditation room or dedicated altar.

Key Features

• Antique Thai‑style Phitsanulok Buddha – Inspired by the celebrated Phra Phuttha Chinnarat image of Wat Yai in Phitsanulok, Thailand.

• Compact display size – Measures 20cm / 8" high, ideal for a shelf, desk, meditation corner, home altar or cabinet display.

• Earth‑Touching Buddha – Depicts the Buddha in Bhumisparsha mudra, the gesture of Calling the Earth to Witness and overcoming Mara.

• Subduing Mara symbolism – Represents steadfastness, inner strength, Enlightenment and the victory of wisdom over fear, distraction and delusion.

• Phitsanulok‑style flaming aureole – A dramatic flame‑rimmed halo frames the Buddha and reflects the radiant form associated with Phra Phuttha Chinnarat.

• Removable aureole – The flame arch can be detached for careful handling, transportation or flexible presentation.

• Flame‑shaped ushnisha – Tall finial above the tight hair curls symbolises awakened wisdom and advanced spiritual attainment.

• Serene Thai facial features – Downcast eyes, a composed brow, elongated earlobes and a softly modelled expression convey inner stillness.

• Beautiful aged bronze patina – Rich green‑brown surface variation enhances the detailed casting and historic character.

• Ideal contemplative focal point – A meaningful Buddha for a home, office, study, yoga space, meditation room or sacred setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What style of Buddha is this?
A: This is an antique Thai‑style Phitsanulok Buddha, inspired by the iconic Phra Phuttha Chinnarat image at Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat in Phitsanulok, northern Thailand. The temple is widely known as Wat Yai, or “Great Temple.”

Q: Why is Phra Phuttha Chinnarat important?
A: Phra Phuttha Chinnarat is one of Thailand’s most revered Buddha images and is regarded by many Thais as among the most beautiful Buddha sculptures in the country. Its serene face, flame‑like aureole and Subduing Mara pose have inspired generations of Thai artists and devotees.

Q: What is the Bhumisparsha mudra?
A: Bhumisparsha means “touching the earth.” The Buddha’s right hand reaches down towards the ground while the left hand rests in the lap. It is often called the Earth Witness gesture and commemorates the moment immediately preceding the Buddha’s Enlightenment.

Q: Why is this called the “Subduing Mara” Buddha?
A: The pose is also called Maravijaya, or “Victory over Mara.” Mara represents death, desire, fear, temptation and delusion. By touching the earth, the Buddha calls the Earth Goddess to witness his spiritual merit, overcoming Mara’s attempts to prevent his awakening.

Q: Who is Thorani, the Earth Goddess?
A: Thorani is the Earth Goddess in Thai Buddhist tradition. In the Enlightenment story, she rises from the earth in response to the Buddha’s gesture and wrings water from her hair—the accumulated merit of the Buddha’s previous lives—creating a flood that defeats Mara’s army.

Q: What does this Buddha symbolise today?
A: The Earth‑Touching Buddha symbolises resilience, clarity and the ability to remain grounded when confronted by fear, distraction or uncertainty. It is a reminder that inner stability and wisdom can overcome even the most persistent obstacles.

Q: What is virasana?
A: Virasana is a dignified seated posture associated with alertness, serenity and spiritual strength. In this sculpture, the Buddha sits cross‑legged in a poised position that reinforces the calm authority of the earth‑touching gesture.

Q: What is the flame‑shaped ushnisha?
A: The ushnisha is the raised cranial protuberance at the top of the Buddha’s head, representing enlightenment and elevated spiritual awareness. In Thai sculpture, it is often extended into a flame‑like finial, symbolising radiant wisdom.

Q: What do the long earlobes mean?
A: The elongated earlobes recall Siddhartha’s life as a prince, when heavy jewellery stretched his ears. After renouncing worldly privilege, they became a symbol of inner wealth, wisdom and compassionate listening.

Q: What is the flame‑rimmed aureole behind the Buddha?
A: The aureole is a halo‑like arch surrounding the Buddha. Its flames represent divine radiance, spiritual energy and the illuminating force of Enlightenment. The flame aureole is a distinctive feature of the Phra Phuttha Chinnarat / Phitsanulok tradition.

Q: Can the aureole be removed?
A: Yes. The flame‑rimmed aureole is removable, allowing for safer handling, easier transport and flexible display. It should be lifted and replaced carefully, avoiding pressure on the flame tips or the Buddha’s head.

Q: How should I handle the detachable aureole?
A: Support the Buddha securely from the base before removing or replacing the aureole. Hold the arch from its strongest lower sections rather than by the pointed finial or individual flames. If packing or storing it separately, wrap it in soft, non‑abrasive protective material.

Q: Is this suitable for a meditation room or home shrine?
A: Yes. This Buddha is particularly suitable for a meditation room, yoga space, study or home altar. Its symbolism makes it a meaningful focus for anyone cultivating calm, courage, steadiness and the ability to meet challenges with awareness.

Q: Is it appropriate for non‑Buddhists to display the statue?
A: Yes. Buddha images are appreciated by people of many backgrounds as symbols of mindfulness, serenity and ethical wisdom. It is respectful to display the piece on a clean, stable and elevated surface rather than directly on the floor.

Q: Where should I place it?
A: At 20cm / 8" high, the Buddha is ideal for a desk, bookshelf, sideboard, meditation altar, library table or small cabinet. Allow a little open space around it so the full outline of the flame aureole can be appreciated.

Q: Can I place offerings near the Buddha?
A: Yes. Fresh flowers, a small bowl of water, incense, a candle or an LED tealight may be used to create a simple and respectful setting. Keep any offerings below the Buddha and avoid allowing heat, wax, water or incense ash to touch the bronze.

Q: How should I care for the bronze patina?
A: Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth or natural‑bristle brush, paying particular attention to the flame aureole, hair curls, hands and robe folds. Do not use metal polish, abrasive pads, chemical cleaners or water immersion, as these can damage or alter the aged patina.

Q: Can it be displayed outdoors?
A: Indoor display is recommended. Rain, frost, direct sunlight and changing humidity can accelerate corrosion, affect the removable aureole and alter the existing green‑brown surface.

Q: Who would especially appreciate this Buddha?
A: This Phitsanulok‑style Buddha will appeal to collectors of Thai and Southeast Asian art, Buddhist practitioners, meditators, yoga enthusiasts, therapists, interior designers and anyone seeking a compact but powerful symbol of serenity, resolve and spiritual awakening.

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