Rattanakosin Buddha Statue

Since it differs from Sukhothai and Lanna Buddhist styles, Rattanakosin also became the center of Buddha images, statues, and other sculptures.

The Rattanakosin Kingdom is one of the most powerful kingdoms in the history of Thailand or Siam. The Rattanakosin Kingdom was considered the fourth in ranking as the center of power in ancient Thailand. The Rattanakosin Kingdom was very popular because of the continuation of the Rattanakosin style even after Bangkok became the new capital city of Siam. Rattanakosin also became the center of Buddha images, statues, and other sculptures. The Rattanakosin Buddhist style differs from the Sukhothai and Lanna Buddhist styles.

Regarding political power and war, the Rattanakosin Kingdom went through two periods. The first period was a time of political conflicts between Burma, Vietnam, and Laos and internal political disputes for the king's power. The other half involves the war between Britain and France for colonial powers. The kingdom of Siam is the only Southeast Asian nation remaining independent of European invasion.

Rattanakosin can be divided into four periods regarding the development of Buddhist art sculptures and politics. These four periods were named after the kings of Rattanakosin. These four periods are:

1. Rama I and II

The first period was named after King Rama I and Rama II, lasting from 1782 to 1824. The Buddhist art still follows the style and art of the Ayutthaya style. Buddha statues and images were still made from wood and bronze and built on decorated pedestals. One of the famous Buddha statues was Buddha sheltered by Naga, made chiefly from bronze, and the standing Buddha statues were decorated heavily.

2. Rama III

The second period was named after Rama III, and this period introduced various sculptures besides Buddha images. The faces of the statues were plain and not decorated, unlike in the first period.

3. Rama IV

Actually this period can be considered as the golden age of the Rattanakosin art and style. King Rama IV brought a new era in Thailand in terms of politics as well as art too. King Rama III removed fashion of heavy decoration and replaced it with Buddha images covered in a beautiful robe of flower design. King Rama IV also removed the trend of putting crown or jewelry.

4. Rama V, VIII, and IX

This period started during the reign of King Rama V and continues to the present. This period mainly revolves around three Kings: King Rama V, King Rama VIII, and King Rama IX. The mass production of Buddha statues, Buddha images, and other sculptures was a significant development of this period. The development of Buddha images also involves copying the ancient Buddhist styles of Sukhothai, Lanna, and ancient Ayutthaya. The main tradition of selling Buddha statues to various business galleries and monasteries was established in this period. Thus, the prominent Buddha statues of Thailand that are found in the world are from this period.

Wat Pho – Reclining Buddha statues

Wat Pho, also known as the temple of the Reclining Buddha, is located in the Rattanakosin district, Bangkok, Thailand. The Wat Pho Reclining Buddha statue is officially known as Wat Phra Chettuphon Wimon Mangkhlaram Ratchaworahawihan. The Reclining Buddha statue of Rattanakosin is around 15m high and 43m long. Lord Buddha's right hand supports the head of the reclining Buddha statue. The foot of the Reclining Buddha statue is decorated with 108 arranged panels, which indicate the 108 auspicious symbols of Buddhism. We can also see 108 bowls in the corridor near the statue, symbolizing the 108 auspicious characters of Lord Buddha. People who visit the temple drop coins in the bowls, believing it will bring good fortune and help the monks maintain the temple of Wat Pho.

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