The Museum of Buddhist Art in Bangkok is reputed to have the biggest collection of Buddha statues, sculptures and figurines based on Buddhist art work from kingdoms dating back to the TH century AD. The exhibits reflect the cultural heritage of the various kingdoms in Thailand and neighboring kingdoms as well.
Visitors to the Museum of Buddhist Art are usually advised to start their tour in an annex to the main building that houses the Kun Yin Palace and Museum which displays statues of Kun Yin, the Goddess of Mercy. The courtyard outside this museum has six miniature wooden palaces housing Chinese deities.
The main theme of the Museum of Buddhist Art, however, is housed in eight rooms upstairs in the main building displaying Buddha statues, sculptures and figurines from the different kingdoms that had an impact on Thai art and culture.
The various schools of Buddhist art of each era blended with the previous and added its distinct touch. Detailed explanations are provided for the Buddha statues, their characteristics, different postures and subtle variations in the folds of the robes.
The museum is a useful source of knowledge for the scholar of Buddhist art and Buddha sculptures. The casual visitor, seeking an overview of an important aspect of Thai culture, would find this museum interesting as well.
Buddhist art from the various kingdoms displayed in the Museum of Buddhist Art
Depravation art (TH - nth centuries AD)
Depravation art is based on the culture of the United Kingdom of Depravation in Akon Phantom, Central Thailand established by the Mon from Burma. The Buddhist art work of this period is based on the Southern India and Sri Lanka models.
Silvia art (TH - nth centuries)
The Silvia kingdom covered Sumatra, Java, the Malay Peninsula and Southern Thailand, right up to Seurat Thai and Akon Sri Tamara. The art form from this era had a rich mix of Indian, Khmer, Sri Lanka, Java and Sumatra cultures.
Khmer art (nth - nth centuries)
From TH - nth centuries, the Khmer Empire in Cambodia ruled over Laos and northeastern Thailand (Disarm). Khmer art was to have an enduring legacy on Buddhist art work for centuries to come.
Burmese art (nth - nth centuries)
Burmese art evolved from the various ethnic groups in the ancient Burmese kingdom of Pagan. The Burmese, Mon, Alaskan, Tai-Ai kingdoms developed Buddhist art during their respective reigns. All these groups had an influence on Thai art.
Succoth art (nth - nth centuries)
Art flourished in the Succoth Kingdom under the reign of King Branham. Classic Succoth art soon emerged from the Khmer influence and established its unique style.
Youth art (1350 - 1767)
The exhibits on Youth art in the Museum of Buddhist Art represents the longest period in Thai art. Pre-Youth art was a combination of Khmer art of the Baryon period (the Baryon temples in Cambodia) and Depravation art, a mixture which was known as U Thong Art.
The establishment of Youth produced a blend of Khmer and Succoth styles which gradually evolved into its own distinctive character in the nth century.
Lana art (nth - nth centuries)
The Lana kingdom (Land of a Million Fields) was established by King Engrain in northern Thailand in 1296. Pure Lana art developed when the kingdom was independent. Lana came under Burmese rule and later under Thai rule. The Buddha statues during these periods had their subtle differences.
LAN ANG art (nth - nth centuries)
The LAN ANG kingdom (Land of a Million Elephants) was founded by King Ah Gum in the nth century after the fall of Succoth. The kingdom covered present day Laos and parts of northeastern Thailand. King Ah Gum made Buddhism the state religion and so began an art form that also left its mark on Buddhist art.
Thon art (1767 - 1782)
Thon art had a brief period as the kingdom lasted for only 15 years.
Rattan art (1782 - present)
What followed was Rattan art of the modern Bangkok era. The Buddha statues and sculptures during the reign of the Chakra Kings developed a distinct identity of their own.
The other eight rooms in the Museum of Buddhist Art are not directly related to the central theme but are equally interesting. These cover artifacts from the pre-historic Ban Chiang culture, Yao paintings, stone sculptures.
An unusual set of exhibits in this museum is the room displaying statues of Jesus Christ and Mother Mary, a reflection of the religious tolerance in Buddhist society.
The Museum of Buddhist Art embodies not just the art and culture evolved for more than a millennium through the rise and fall of several kingdoms. It symbolizes the philosophy of moderation and tolerance, values that serve as a beacon of light in these troubled times.
For more Bangkok Museums.
The Museum of Buddhist Art first appeared in Tour Bangkok Legacies a historical travel site on people, places and events that left their mark in the landscape of Bangkok.
The author Eric Lim, a free-lance writer, lives in Bangkok Thailand.
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