Statue

Statue of a standing Buddha holding an alms bowl on a lotus-bud base with stylized stamen. The lotus is supported by an octogonal base. The Buddha stands erect with evenly placed feet (Sanskrit: samapada) and wears a fitted robe (Sanskrit: sanghati). The face has a serene expression with downcast eyes beneath arched brows, an aquiline nose, and a bow-shaped mouth. The hair is tightly curled and surmounted by a flaming finial (Thai: ratsami or ketumala). The figure exhibits characteristics of Buddha statues made during both the Mon-Dvaravati (6th - 11th Century) and Chiang Saen (14th - 17th Century) periods making dating difficult. Buddha statues holding alms bowls are relatively rare. Its presence here indicates that the Buddha is represented as a mendicant monk. It also alludes to one of the miracles he performed after returning from Tavatimsa heaven wherein the bowl was able to contain all the food offerings made to him by monks looking to accrue merit.