Buddha Statue - Antique Thai Style Bronze Chiang Saen Enlightenment Buddha Statue - 20cm/8"

Antique Thai Style Bronze Chiang Saen Enlightenment Buddha Statue - 20cm/8"

Measures (Height) 20cm/8"

A serene antique Thai-style seated bronze Buddha Shakyamuni in the Chiang Saen tradition.

This finely cast bronze depicts the Buddha in the classic Chiang Saen style of northern Thailand, a distinctive and historically important school of Lanna Buddhist art. Characterised by its harmonious proportions, subtle detailing, and deep spiritual presence, the Chiang Saen style emerged in the region around today’s northern Thailand, near the borders of Myanmar and Laos, which flourished as a major Buddhist centre from the 13th to the 18th centuries.

Here the Buddha is seated in virasana, a cross‑legged posture symbolising serenity and unwavering composure, with his right hand extended in the bhumisparsa or “Calling the Earth to Witness” mudra. This “Enlightenment Buddha” image captures the pivotal moment beneath the Bodhi tree when Siddhartha Gautama attained awakening, calling upon the Earth Goddess to bear witness to his countless past merits and to the defeat of Mara, the tempter. By lightly touching the earth, the Buddha remains steadfast as Mara’s armies, storms and seductive illusions arise; in response, the Earth Goddess rises and wrings torrents of water from her hair, washing away the forces of delusion. This gesture has come to symbolise enlightenment, inner strength and the final victory over ignorance.

The Buddha’s face is serene and introspective, with downcast eyes and a firm, composed brow that convey deep meditation and inner clarity. In keeping with the Chiang Saen aesthetic, he bears a large, lotus‑bud–shaped ushnisha on the crown of his head, signifying elevated spiritual attainment, while his long, pendulous earlobes recall his princely youth adorned with heavy gold earrings. He is enthroned upon a double lotus base, the lotus symbolising purity, compassion and the flowering of wisdom from the “mud” of worldly existence.

Rooted in the Theravada tradition, Chiang Saen sculpture offers a distinctive regional interpretation of the Buddha image, and related works have been found across northern Thailand, Laos and parts of Myanmar, attesting to the wide influence of Lanna art. This Enlightenment Buddha, with his earth‑touching gesture, distils Buddhism’s timeless message of awakening and liberation from suffering, inviting viewers to cultivate mindfulness, wisdom and perseverance on their own spiritual path.

The casting of this piece is particularly beautiful, evident in the crisp modelling of the fingers, toes and facial features; every detail is cleanly and confidently rendered. A rich, naturally developed patina enhances its surface, adding depth, character and a sense of age. Traditional in appearance yet quietly striking, this Chiang Saen‑style bronze Buddha is sure to bring a sense of serenity and contemplative grace to any home, office or sacred space—an enduring image of the spiritual teacher whose presence never goes out of style.

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