THAILANDE, EPOQUE AYUTTHAYA, CIRCA XVIEME SIECLE

Sculptures of Buddha in royal attire became popular from the sixteenth century onwards during the Ayutthaya period. The earlier Sukhothai style was highly respected and most likely exerted influence on Ayutthaya examples. This finely cast Buddha shows a slightly more oval face as well as a stocky body, suggesting Sukhothai reminiscences. The flaring sides of his monastic robe are also less extended than known from definite Ayutthaya examples. It is therefore not to be excluded that the presented Buddha could be of an even earlier date.