THAILAND, AYUTTHAYA PERIOD, 17TH CENTURY

This unusual bronze statue depicts the well-fed monk Phra Sangajaya who lived at the time of Buddha Shakyamuni. A legend explains the reason behind his plumpness. It is said that the monk was so handsome that he attracted much unwanted female attention; he asked to be made less attractive so that he could concentrate better on the Buddhist teachings. As visible in the present figure, his wish was granted. According to Carol Stratton figures of Phra Sangajaya are usually placed in a small hut to the front or side of a temple (Buddhist Sculptures of Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai, 2004, fig. 12.24, page 321). A comparable bronze example sold at Christie’s, Paris, 11 December 2013, lot 352.