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Many visitors to Thailand are impressed by the variety of Buddha
images that are found in both Chinese and Thai temples, wore around
the neck or found dangling from the rear view mirror of a car. Buddha
images are everywhere and the careful buyer should research the
historical and religious meaning of a Buddha image before making
a purchase.
The historical Buddha carefully directed his followers not to create
any images of his being after his death. For the next four hundred
years, Buddhism was represented by the Dharmmachakra or Wheel of
Continual Reincarnation. It can still be seen at most Thai Buddhist
temples and it looks like a wagon wheel.
The first Buddha images were made two thousand years ago during
the reign of King Asohke of India who converted to Buddhism and
wanted to spread his new found religion. He ordered Buddha images
to be made in the style popular at the time of his kingdom. These
show strong influences from the Hellenistic culture which had passed
through the region. The Buddha image has the figure with long flowing
hair tied up in a bun on top of his head and wearing a classic Greek
toga.
By the time Buddhism established itself in Thailand, by way of
Sri Lanka, the image of the Buddha had changed. Now his hair was
a mass of tiny snail shaped curls, his nose shaped like a parrot's,
and his ear lobes dropped to his shoulders. There are numerous other
characteristics of a Thai classical Buddha.
A visit to an antiquities dealer such as Hans Lamers at Thai Style
Antiques will be well worth your visit to learn about the various
styles of Buddha images available in the region. Thai Style has
distinctive Buddha images from Burma and around the region made
in a variety of materials including papier mache, wood, and bronze.
For a buyer of a smaller Buddha image or amulet, these are the
object of careful study by Thais who look for auspicious signs or
markings that the image will bring them good luck or prevent misfortune.
Buddha images come in all shapes, sizes and prices and a careful
purchase can ensure a lasting treasure that can make an important
memory of a visit to Thailand.
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