The Buddhist Disciple Phra Sankachai

Description

This delightful adaptation is based on a late seventeenth-century bronze figure of Phra Sankachai from Thailand, with eyes of inlaid shell and garnet and the Buddha’s traditional coiled hair. In the practice of Thai Buddhism, Phra Sankachai helps out in times of sickness and offers spiritual salvation. The figure sits in a yogic pose with his hands resting gently on his round belly.

Cast resin, hand patinated. 8''H x 8 1/2''L x 5 1/2''D.

Art History

Along with images of the great Buddha himself, representations of his disciples are important in Southeast Asia. Among the most popular figures are those of Buddhist disciple Phra Sankachai, a monk who rejected physical attractiveness and used his divine powers to transform himself into a portly, hunched dwarf. As reward for his spiritual advancement, he was granted nirvana, the final level of transcendence and release from earthly existence.