Phra Ruang Nang Che Tuphon Baw Song Chan Nur Din, Sukhothai (Est. 500 years)

Phra Ruang Nang Che Tuphon Baw Song Chan, Sukhothai (Est. 500 years)

History

Phra Ruang Nang Che Tuphon Baw Song Chan

Sukhothai Period – Estimated Age 500 Years

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Historical

The Phra Ruang Nang Che Tuphon Baw Song Chan is an ancient votive tablet believed to date back to the late Sukhothai period, approximately 500 years ago. This era (13th–16th century) was a golden age of Thai Buddhist art and culture, characterized by graceful Buddha imagery and the flourishing of Theravāda Buddhism as the kingdom’s official religion.

The name Phra Ruang connects the amulet to the Phra Ruang dynasty, rulers of Sukhothai, who were devout patrons of Buddhism. “Nang Che” refers to the specific posture and depiction of the Buddha image in the amulet, often associated with meditation and spiritual composure. Tuphon Baw Song Chan denotes the double-layered base (Baw Song Chan) upon which the Buddha sits—a symbolic reference to stability and the twofold path of practice: wisdom (paññā) and concentration (samādhi).

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Purpose of Creation

Ancient Phra Ruang amulets were typically created as:

• Objects of merit-making during large temple ceremonies

• Offerings to be enshrined within chedis (stupas), viharns (halls), or other sacred structures

• Blessings for protection of the kingdom, prosperity of the land, and spiritual guidance for the people

They also served as personal talismans for merit accumulation and protection, believed to channel blessings from the Triple Gem (Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha).

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Material and Craftsmanship

The Phra Ruang Nang Che Tuphon Baw Song Chan was made using Nur Phong (sacred powder), which in the Sukhothai era often consisted of:

• Fine local clay mixed with rice husk ash

• Phong Bailan (burnt palm-leaf scripture powder) from ancient Dhamma texts

• Crushed relic dust from earlier sacred images and votive tablets

• Herbal powders from consecrated temple gardens

• Lime and natural binders to strengthen the structure

The amulet was hand-molded and pressed in carved stone or terracotta molds, with intricate detail work typical of the Sukhothai style—gentle facial features, elegant lines, and symmetrical throne patterns.

The Baw Song Chan (double base) design reinforced symbolic stability, while the Nang Che posture emphasized stillness and meditative absorption.

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Consecration and Enshrinement

In the Sukhothai tradition, the consecration (Phutthaphisek) of such amulets often involved:

1. Extended chanting of Pali suttas by a large assembly of monks—sometimes for 7, 15, or 30 days.

2. Kasina meditation rituals, with monks focusing their mental energy on the amulets.

3. Placement of the tablets near the principal Buddha image in the temple for months before final enshrinement.

4. In many cases, the amulets were buried inside chedis or foundations to spiritually “anchor” the site.

This sacred empowerment was believed to imbue the amulet with long-lasting protective and auspicious power.

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Spiritual Beliefs

The Phra Ruang Nang Che Tuphon Baw Song Chan is traditionally believed to offer:

• Klaew Klaad – protection from danger and harm

• Metta Mahaniyom – enhancement of charm and goodwill from others

• Chok Lap – fortune and prosperity

• Buddha Nissayon – spiritual guidance, mental clarity, and peace of mind

• Phon Phonlap – blessings in both worldly success and Dhamma practice

Its age and origin add to its perceived potency, as amulets that have been continuously revered for centuries are thought to gather even greater spiritual strength.

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Modern Recognition

Today, surviving examples of the Phra Ruang Nang Che Tuphon Baw Song Chan are rare and highly valued among collectors of ancient Thai amulets. Their significance lies not only in their artistic and historical heritage but also in the continuity of Buddhist faith they represent—from the Sukhothai era to the present day.

Authentic pieces often exhibit:

• Natural aging patina and soil encrustations from centuries of burial

• Softened edges and weathered detail from natural wear

• Distinctive double-base (Baw Song Chan) design in line with Sukhothai craftsmanship

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If you want, I can also prepare an authentication guide for this amulet, with key identifying markers and comparison notes against replicas, so you can differentiate genuine 500-year-old pieces from later reproductions.