Phra Phim - Ayuttha - 17/18th c. - Statue - Thailand

Buddha Amulet Phra Phim
Ayutthaya period, 17th-18th century
Thailand
Bronze
Height: 6.5 cm

This small statuette of personal devotion (commonly referred to as an amulet or Phra Kru) depicts the Buddha seated in the deep meditation posture.
His hands are joined in the lap, laid one atop the other, palms facing upward, forming the dhyāna mudrā (the gesture of meditation). The overall silhouette broadens downward in a pyramidal shape, typical of the small foundries of that period.

Despite strong surface erosion from burials and ritual rubbing, the face retains the elongated oval characteristic of Ayutthaya canons. The eyes are closed, almost fused with the mass, emphasizing a state of spiritual detachment. The ears feature very stretched lobes that flare slightly outward into a stylized point, a recurring graphic treatment in Siamese sculpture of this period. One of the most singular details is the absence of a prominent ushnisha, the head taking on a rounded, bare, almost monastic form.

The monastic robe (sanghati) is treated in an extremely sober and fluid manner, closely following the torso without heavy relief, hinting at the nudity of the right shoulder.

Condition: The piece shows authentic excavation patina, alternating with dark oxidized areas, earthy tones, and greenish reflections. Precious traces of original gilding survive in the recesses, notably on the face, torso, and base, testifying to the homage paid to the sacred icon.
The reverse of the statuette is equipped with a horizontal suspension ring incorporated during casting. This appendage allowed the piece to be carried on one's person or suspended within a reliquary or portable altar. The bottom of the piece reveals a solid bronze, unmolded and with a grainy texture characteristic of lost-wax casting used in Ayutthaya Kingdom provinces in the 17th century.

Provenance: Kanaka The Collection, Portugal

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