• Hand-carved Lanna Buddha made of teak with traces of red lacquer and weathered gold leaf from Northern Thailand
  • Phra Chao Mai Buddha on a tall wooden pedestal with old temple patina and gilded wear
  • Lanna Buddha in Bhumisparsha mudra, with the right hand touching the earth as a witness to enlightenment.
  • Northern Thai teak Buddha with long flame-shaped ushnisha and triangular Lanna earlobes
  • Thai wooden Buddha with red and black temple base, old lacquer layers and visible wood wear
  • Detail of Lanna Buddha face with weathered gold leaf, dark wear, and subdued meditative expression
  • Bottom of wooden Lanna Buddha with old drying cracks, dark patina, and hand-carved teak wood structure.
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1stbuddha

Antique Wooden Lanna Buddha – Northern Thailand – 19th Century – Gilded Teak

Antique Wooden Lanna Buddha – Northern Thailand – 19th Century – Gilded Teak

€295,00 EUR
€295,00 EUR
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Antique Hand-Carved Wooden Lanna Buddha – Northern Thailand (19th Century)

This extremely authentic and rare temple statue is a beautiful example of historical Thai folk art from the 19th century. The statue, also known locally as Phra Chao Mai (Wooden Lord), is hand-carved from a single solid block of teak wood. The Buddha is seated in the iconic Bhumisparsha mudra on a high, monumental wooden base, giving this piece a serene and powerful presence on a home altar or in a meditative space. The sculpture breathes pure history and bears the distinctive stylistic features of the ancient Northern Thai Lanna Kingdom. This is expressed in the elongated, upward-sloping flame knot on the head (ushnisha), the striking triangular earlobes, and the somewhat naive yet deeply spiritual facial features. The surface displays beautiful remnants of the original red lacquer layer (cinnabar) and substantial original gold leaf, which has been applied in a traditional manner by believers over the decades.

The mudra (hand gesture) commemorates the moment of the Mara Vijaya, in which the Buddha touches the earth with his right fingers to call it to witness his spiritual enlightenment and the victory over the temptations of the demon Mara. It symbolizes steadfastness, inner strength, and ultimate truth. The side view and the underside of the base show the honest, centuries-old signs of drying, characteristic shrinkage cracks, and a historic temple repair that guarantee the venerable age of this unique piece.

For the serious collector and lover of authentic Asian art, this is a rare opportunity. While many wooden statues on the market are modern reproductions, this is a weathered, original temple and cultural object with an unmistakable soul and a historical story.

Product details

Object Antique Wooden Temple Statue (Phra Chao Mai)
Style / Presentation Lanna Buddha in Bhumisparsha Mudra (Touching the Earth)
Origin Northern Thailand (Lanna region)
Period 19th century (Rattanakosin / Lanna period)
Material Solid Teak wood with remnants of original red lacquer and gold leaf
Meaning Enlightenment, victory over temptations, steadfastness and spiritual truth
Dimensions H 24.5 x W 8.5 cm
Weight 400 grams
Condition Authentic, weathered antique condition. Beautiful wear of the gilding and a weathered patina. The rear of the base shows characteristic age-related wear on the wood and an old, historical temple repair with plaster/filler inherent to the ceremonial age. View full details