Rankings: The Top 10 Dazzling Golden Buddhist Arts Voting results （voting period：July 4 - August 27, 2017）
Highlights of the Exhibition
Part 1 The World of Buddhism in Ancient Thailand
Part 1, “The World of Buddhism in Ancient Thailand,” features the religious backgrounds of kingdoms that created the conditions for Thai culture to emerge. These kingdoms are from a time pre-dating the rise of the Thai kingdoms. This section covers a period that stretches from the 5th century, when Buddhist statues were introduced to the region that is now Thailand, through the 7th to 9th century, when Buddhist culture blossomed across the land, and up to the 13th century, when the Thai people began establishing kingdoms.
Seated Buddha on Naga Muchilinda
Sri Vijaya, End of the 12th–13th century
National Museum, Bangkok
Dharmachakra (Wheel of the Law)
Dvaravati, 7th century
National Museum, U Thong
Seated Ardhanarishvara
Khmer in Thailand, Pre-Angkor, 8th–early 9th century; National Museum, Ubon Ratchathani
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Part 2 Sukhothai: The Dawn of Happiness
Part 2, “Sukhothai: The Dawn of Happiness,” features the early Thai kingdoms of Sukhothai and Lanna Thai. It introduces how, under sovereign rule, these kingdoms received Theravada Buddhism from Sri Lanka, and how the two kingdoms were connected through Buddhism. In the Sukhothai period, a religious belief in Buddha footprints began, and this trend continued into future generations throughout Thailand.
Seated Buddha
Sukhothai, 15th century
Sawan Woranayok National Museum, Gift of Phra Sawan Woranayok
(detail)
Inscription of Wat Sorasak
Sukhothai, dated 1417, Ram Khamhaeng National Museum
Walking Buddha
Sukhothai, 14th–15th century
Sawan Woranayok National Museum, Gift of Phra Sawan Woranayok
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Part 3 Ayutthaya: The Glittering Capital
Part 3, “Ayutthaya: The Glittering Capital,” look at Ayutthaya, a city renowned for its international trade. Part 3 focuses on the new Buddhist art that emerged from Ayutthaya’s relationships with surrounding kingdoms.
Miniature Stupa
Ayutthaya, Early 15th century
Chao Sam Phraya National Museum
Miniature Elephant
Ayutthaya, Early 15th century
Chao Sam Phraya National Museum
Cula Moungkut (Royal Headdress)
Ayutthaya, Early 15th century
Chao Sam Phraya National Museum
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Part 4 Siam: Japan’s Dreams of the South
Part 4, “Siam: Japan’s Dreams of the South,” look at Ayutthaya, a city renowned for its international trade. Part 4 highlights the port of Ayutthaya through its connections with Japan.
(detail)
Scene of the Katina Anisansa Ritual
Ratanakosin, dated 1918
National Library of Thailand
[on exhibit from August 1, 2017]
Octagonal Box, Kinma Siamese Lacquerware, Auspicious birds, beasts, and arabesque design
Lanna Thai, 16th–17th century
Tokyo National Museum
Ceremonial Cloth, Siamese Chintz
Early 19th century
National Museum, Bangkok
[on exhibit through July 30, 2017]
(detail)
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Part 5 Rattanakosin: Indra’s Jewel
Part 5, “Rattanakosin: Indra’s Jewel,” uses Buddhist art to present the restoration and development of Ayutthaya’s culture that was aspired to by the new city of Rattanakosin, as well as new interactions between Japan and Thailand in modern times.
Main Door Panel of Wat Suthat Thep Wararam, by Rama II
Ratanakosin, 19th century
National Museum, Bangkok
right: Banner, Descent of Buddha from Trayastrimsa Heaven
Ratanakosin, 19th century
National Museum, Bangkok
[on exhibit through July 30, 2017]
Howdah
Ratanakosin, 18th–19th century
National Museum, Bangkok
Japanese Style Sword with Embossed Gold Mounting
Ratanakosin, 19th century
National Museum, Bangkok
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