This exhibit would be geared towards Western High School aged children to teach them about the Buddha as a symbolic icon for the Buddhist religion. Nearly 95% of Thailand practices Buddhism (CIA The World Fact Book) and treat the icon of the Buddha with respect. The Buddha was a teacher and an “enlightened being” and as such, the statues and icons of him are meant as objects for teaching and guiding. Though we do not know when exactly Buddhism reached Thailand, we know it was introduced from India. Because of this, much of the imagery was borrowed. Imagery such as where the Buddha statue’s hands rest, if he is standing or reclining, or what his facial indications are. These symbols are meant to be looked at and read easily so that everyone may gain understanding.
The Bodhisattva Maitreya, Southeast Asian, Late 8th century A.D., From the collection of: Kimbell Art Museum
Buddhism originally was brought to Thailand from India. This is an early image that shows the influence with Indian culture by showing a slim body with four arms which is more typical of India than Thailand.
This wall hanging shows the potential infinite number of Buddhas, which is to say, a person that has achieved enlightenment. We see the hands folded in meditative symbolism.
Standing Buddha, 600-799 C.E., From the collection of: The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
The Buddha represented in this image shows a peaceful standing pose. Though the arms are broken off, the facial features of the Buddha remain serene to show enlightenment or at peace with life.
Buddha at the Moment of Victory, Thai, 15th century, From the collection of: The Walters Art Museum
This image of the Buddha is in a seated position, also known as a heroic posture with the legs cross over each other. The right hand is touching the earth as a symbolic renouncing of worldly pleasure.
Standing Buddha, Thai, 8th century (Dvaravati), From the collection of: The Walters Art Museum
Ancient Thai culture accepted the Standing Buddha as an iconic image. The standing gesture is almost always in conjunction with raised arms as if to bestow wisdom to the beholder or follower.
Standing Buddha, Unknown, late 19th century, From the collection of: Art Gallery of South Australia
We see that this Standing Buddha image has the right arm raised and the palm forward, fingers raised upwards. This is symbolic of fearlessness in the face of adversity and and encouragement for beholders or followers to do the same.
Buddha calling the Earth to witness, Early Ayutthaya period, Thailand, 1347-1400, From the collection of: National Gallery of Australia
We see the familiar gesture with the right hand positioned touching the earth to show the denouncing of earthly pleasure. What is also interesting is the protrusion of a spike or often an additional dome at the top of Buddha's head. This is a representation of knowledge acquired by a superior or enlightened being.
Head and Torso of a Buddha, Unknown, 14th century, From the collection of: Brooklyn Museum
We notice the long earlobes which have come to be symbolic of the Buddha's wisdom but many continue to say Buddha came from a rich family and when he left and renounced worldly pleasure, he also removed his heavy jeweled earrings and his earlobes remained stretched as a result.
Head of Buddha, Unknown, 14th century, From the collection of: Art Gallery of New South Wales
The spiral curls often seen on the Thai Buddha images represent the Buddha cutting the long locks of hair he possessed when he had earthly riches.
Buddha enthroned under the seven headed naga, Unknown, early 18th century, From the collection of: Art Gallery of New South Wales
One of the stories of Buddha tells of a time when he was so deep in meditation, he did not notice the rains come and the floods try to sweep him away. The seven headed snake king saw this and wrapped his coils around the Buddha and lifted him out of the water. The snake king then spread his hood over the top of the Buddha to protect him. In this image, we see the Buddha's hands resting in his lap as indication of meditation.
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