The Lanna image makers of the late 15th to early 16th century created two iconographically different styles that were being produced at the same time as each other. The Lion type, often called early Chiengsaen, was influenced by the Lion of the Sakyas a famous Pala Buddha from India, however these images were cast by image makers from the conquered city of Sukhothai hence their stylistic similarity to the earlier Sukhothai images. The second type, the mixed type often called later Chiengsaen were more influenced by the art of U-Thong, Lopburi Sukhothai and Ceylon. These mixed type Lanna Buddhas vary in iconography due to the many influences mentioned previously, however most of them sit on a lotus base of some kind. The image photographed here is of the mixed type.

The representation of Buddha performing the Bhumisparsha mudra is without doubt the most prolific in South East Asian Buddhist art. It depicts Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) sitting in the wilderness just before he attained enlightenment, touching the ground to raise the Goddess of the Earth to defeat the armies of Mara the god of desire and death. In so doing this, Siddhartha had overcome the last of many dangers and temptations Mara had laid before him. A great victory indeed, which must account for the widespread popularity of this theme in South East Asia.

Age: Early 16th Century.

Height: 29.5 cm.

Remarks: A good amount of the original gilt and red pigment can clearly be seen in the above photos.