Phra Khun Paen Montien, Phu Khao Thong Nur Din Wat Montien, Ayutthaya Est. 400-500 years

Phra Khun Paen Montien, Phu Khao Thong Nur Din Wat Montien, Ayutthaya Est. 400-500 years 

with G-Pra Certificate

Phra Khun Paen Montien

Terracotta Amulet from Wat Phu Khao Thong, Ayutthaya

Ancient Artifact of the Ayutthaya Period

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Historical Background

Phra Khun Paen Montien is a rare and ancient terracotta amulet discovered in the Phu Khao Thong (Golden Mount) Pagoda of Ayutthaya, Thailand. These amulets are believed to date back several hundred years, with strong associations to the late Ayutthaya Kingdom era (14th–18th century CE).

They were excavated from the chedi ruins of Wat Phu Khao Thong during multiple restoration efforts, and have since become recognized as one of the most distinctive amulets of the ancient capital.

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Name Origin

The term “Montien” refers to the royal pavilion or throne hall, signifying that the imagery of this amulet symbolizes the sacred presence of the Buddha within a royal or divine realm. This reflects both the artistic and spiritual significance of the piece in ancient Thai Buddhist iconography.

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Temple of Origin

• Temple Name: Wat Phu Khao Thong (Temple of the Golden Mount)

• Location: Ayutthaya Province, Thailand

• Historical Significance: Originally constructed in 1569 CE by the Burmese King Bayinnaung, later renovated by Thai monarchs. It served as a symbolic victory monument and a spiritual center.

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Design and Artistic Characteristics

• Form: Pointed arch shape resembling a leaf or spearhead (referred to as “Bai Sema” shape in Thai)

• Imagery: The Buddha seated in the Mara Vichai posture (victory over Mara) on a double lotus base, framed by floral motifs and decorated arch lines

• Back: Typically flat, sometimes showing temple soil textures or subtle markings from original stacking or aging

• Size: Approximately 2.4 cm wide by 3.6 cm tall

• Thickness: Generally thicker than other Khun Paen variants

• Clay Texture: Smooth terracotta with moderate grit, less porous than most votive tablets

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Clay Composition and Colors

The amulets were made from sacred clay that included:

• Temple earth mixed with incense ash, sacred powders, and mineral-rich clay

• Dried and fired in traditional earthen kilns

Common color tones:

• Red ochre

• Burnt orange

• Dark brown or black

• Greenish-gray

• Grey or ash tones

• Light beige (sometimes called “dry pikhun flower color”)

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Spiritual Significance

Phra Khun Paen Montien amulets are traditionally believed to provide:

• Protection from spiritual harm and misfortune

• Metta Mahaniyom – charm and likability

• Maha Amnaj – increased personal authority and respect

• Kongkraphan Chatri – invulnerability in dangerous situations

• Sacred prestige from being a symbol of Ayutthaya’s Buddhist and royal lineage

These qualities made the amulet highly revered among warriors, monks, and nobles during its era of use.

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Rarity and Collector Interest

• Highly scarce due to limited number found and fragile nature of terracotta

• Authenticity is crucial – careful verification needed due to similarity with other Ayutthaya-period artifacts

• Valued among historians, scholars, and experienced Thai amulet collectors for its age, craftsmanship, and spiritual depth

• Frequently featured in national amulet exhibitions and reference books on early Thai Buddhist art

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Summary

Phra Khun Paen Montien from Wat Phu Khao Thong stands as a spiritual and artistic legacy of the Ayutthaya period. Combining Buddhist symbolism with ancient craftsmanship, this amulet represents not only protective power and charm but also a tangible piece of Thai religious history.