Phra San Yuen (Phra Leela Mueang San)
Kru Nur Din – Wat Tai Yan, Chainat Province
Authenticated Ancient Buddhist Amulet | Est. 500-600 Years Old | Late Sukhothai - Early Ayutthaya Period
CERTIFIED AUTHENTIC BY THAPRACHAN COMMITTEE | RARE KRU CHAMBER DISCOVERY
,%20Chainat%20Est.%20500-600%20year%20.png "Authenticated Phra San Yuen 500-600 years old from Wat Tai Yan Chainat")
Phra San Yuen (Phra Leela Mueang San) - Sacred Clay Amulet from Kru Chamber, Wat Tai Yan, Chainat. Estimated 500-600 years old with distinctive walking Buddha posture.
Archaeological Provenance & Historical Significance
The Phra San Yuen, alternatively designated as Phra Leela Mueang San, represents a significant archaeological discovery from the authenticated Kru chamber of Wat Tai Yan (also documented as Wat Thap Yan) in Chainat Province. Dating to approximately 500-600 years ago during the transitional period between late Sukhothai and early Ayutthaya eras, this sacred amulet exemplifies the sophisticated Buddhist artistry and spiritual craftsmanship of medieval Siam.
Crafted from Nur Din (consecrated sacred clay), the amulet features the distinctive Leela (walking Buddha) posture—a revered iconographic form symbolizing the Buddha's graceful movement while spreading the Dhamma. The discovery of this piece from a sealed Kru burial chamber provides definitive authentication of its antiquity and spiritual provenance.
Expert Authentication: This specimen has undergone rigorous examination and received formal certification from the Thaprachan Expert Committee, confirming its authenticity, age estimation, and historical significance. The certification provides collectors with documented provenance and archaeological verification.
Frontal view displaying the elegant Leela (walking Buddha) posture with characteristic sacred clay patina developed over centuries of burial.
Temple of Origin: Wat Tai Yan (Wat Thap Yan)
Wat Tai Yan, alternatively referenced as Wat Thap Yan in historical records, stands as one of the most significant ancient temple complexes established during the late Sukhothai period in what is now Chainat Province. The temple served as a major center for Buddhist learning and artistic production, particularly renowned for its mastery of the Leela Buddha imagery tradition.
The discovery of the temple's Kru chamber revealed an extraordinary repository of sacred amulets, including multiple specimens of Phra San Yuen, confirming the temple's historical role as a prolific production center for Buddhist votive tablets. This archaeological evidence substantiates the temple's importance as a spiritual and artistic hub throughout the medieval period.
Reverse view showing characteristic aging patterns and soil deposits from centuries of interment within the temple Kru chamber.
Materials, Craftsmanship & Technical Specifications
| Primary Material: | Nur Din (Sacred Clay) compound |
| Composition: | Clay matrix integrated with consecrated powders, botanical materials, and possible relic fragments |
| Production Method: | Hand-molded and fired using traditional kiln techniques |
| Iconography: | Leela (Walking Buddha) posture with refined proportions |
| Surface Characteristics: | Natural aged patina with mineral deposits from burial environment |
| Preservation State: | Excellent condition with authentic aging indicators |
The consecration process employed traditional methods of sacred clay preparation, wherein purified clay was ritually blessed and mixed with consecrated substances. Following molding, the amulets underwent controlled firing to achieve structural integrity. The distinctive patina observed on surviving specimens results from centuries of interaction with the burial environment, providing visual authentication of genuine antiquity.
Historical Purpose & Spiritual Function
The creation of Phra San Yuen amulets during the Sukhothai-Ayutthaya transitional period served multiple interconnected purposes within medieval Thai Buddhist society:
Dhamma Propagation
Distribution of Buddhist teachings through portable sacred imagery, making the Buddha's presence accessible to devotees.
Merit Accumulation
Facilitating Buddhist practice through veneration of sacred objects, enabling laypersons to generate spiritual merit.
Cultural Preservation
Maintaining regional artistic traditions and iconographic conventions of the San territory (ancient Chainat).
Detail view demonstrating authentic aging characteristics and Thaprachan certification documentation confirming 500-600 year antiquity.
Traditional Spiritual Attributes & Metaphysical Properties
According to traditional Thai Buddhist belief systems and historical veneration practices, the Phra San Yuen has been attributed with the following spiritual qualities:
Metta Maha Niyom (Universal Loving-Kindness)
Enhancement of interpersonal harmony, charismatic presence, and favorable reception in social and professional interactions.
Klaew Klad (Evasion of Danger)
Traditional protective function against misfortune, accidents, and malevolent influences according to Thai spiritual customs.
Kongkrapan Chatri (Spiritual Invulnerability)
Believed to provide metaphysical resilience and fortitude when facing adversity or challenging circumstances.
Chok Larp (Fortune & Prosperity)
Associated with attraction of wealth opportunities and patronage from influential benefactors in traditional belief.
Note: The spiritual attributes listed represent traditional Thai Buddhist cultural beliefs and historical veneration practices. These amulets are valued as objects of religious devotion, historical artifacts, and collectible art pieces.
Rarity Assessment & Collector Significance
EXCEPTIONAL RARITY & AUTHENTICATION STATUS
Verified Antiquity: Professional age estimation of 500-600 years places these among the earliest surviving Leela Buddha amulets from the Sukhothai-Ayutthaya transitional period.
Authenticated Provenance: Documented excavation from sealed Kru chamber at Wat Tai Yan provides unimpeachable archaeological context.
Limited Surviving Population: Extremely restricted number of specimens remain in circulation due to age and historical attrition.
Expert Certification: Formal authentication by Thaprachan Committee provides institutional verification of genuineness and historical significance.
Museum-Quality Preservation: Excellent condition with characteristic aging indicators enhances both aesthetic and investment value.
Conclusion: A Sacred Buddhist Treasure & Historical Masterpiece
The Phra San Yuen (Phra Leela Mueang San) from Wat Tai Yan, Chainat, represents a convergence of exceptional rarity, authenticated provenance, and profound spiritual significance. As a certified example of medieval Thai Buddhist art, this amulet offers collectors and devotees alike a tangible connection to the religious and cultural achievements of the Sukhothai-Ayutthaya civilization.
With its graceful Leela iconography, authenticated 500-600 year age, expert certification, and traditional associations with protection, compassion, and prosperity, the Phra San Yuen stands as both a sacred Buddhist treasure and a museum-quality collector's masterpiece. Its documented Kru chamber provenance ensures institutional-grade authenticity that distinguishes it as an exceptional addition to serious collections of Thai Buddhist art and antiquities.