Wat Suthat Main Hall: Phra Sri Sakyamuni

THAILAND, Bangkok

The statue is one of the oldest and largest copper alloy Buddhas in the country. Originally located in Wat Mahathat in Sukhothai, but when the temple fell into disrepair, King Rama I (reigned 1782–1809) ordered it to be moved to Wat Suthat in 1808.
The Buddha’s head carries the flame ornament commonly found on Buddha statues from the Sukhothai Kingdom (circa 1238–1438). Buddha characteristics include an urna, extended earlobes that curve outwards, and the three lines on the neck. The monastic robe is worn Thai style, leaving the right shoulder bare and with a neat fold of the material doubled over the left. The fingers are of the same length, and those on the left hand are held over the knee in bhumisparsa (earth-touching) mudra. The figure sits in half lotus position, with the length of the legs extended, thus creating an impression of solid balance where aesthetic considerations predominate over naturalism.