Lao Buddhas are delicately carved and more recent ones in the 19-20th centuries reflect many of the artistic traditions that flourished Golden Age of Lao art (1520-1777) which were also followed during the following century. These traditions strictly adhered to the tenets of Theravada Buddhism which were recorded in ancient canons and texts that proscribed how the Buddha should be represented: he should have an egg-shaped head and face, eyebrows like a drawn bow, a nose like the beak of an eagle and smooth round arms like elephant tusks.
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This Lao Buddha reflects Theravada Buddhism, the original conservative tradition practiced in Southeast Asia depicting the Buddha, by closely following proscribed cannons in ancient texts. Lao sculptural styles resemble those of Northern and Northeastern Thailand where Buddha statues closely reflect the lakshana, the 32 “auspicious marks” or physical traits by which the Buddha can be…
This delicately carved Theravada Lao Buddha from the latter part of the 2nd Classic Period (1827-1893) in Northern Laos reflects many of the artistic traditions of the Lao Golden Age (1520-1777). The unique Lao interpretations of the lakshanas (“auspicious marks” of the Buddha)are seen in this statue: egg-shaped head and face, golden skin, eyebrows like…
This mid 20th century Buddha Shakyamuni in Earth Witnessing position is carved in rural Lao style. Covered with gilt, the small rustic and simply carved image follows Lao artistic canons for depicting a Buddha: a curved hairline and high arched eyebrows that meet at the bridge of the nose, distinct hair curls, long ears, and a flame-shaped radiance emerging from his ushnisha. Its very large base is as tall and wide as the image, reflecting Laotian beliefs that a high pedestal reflects a deep respect for the Buddha. A base has been added for display purposes. Authentic old Lao images, even small personal ones like this, are difficult to find.
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