Phra Trikaya (Phra Sam) • BE 1300 (c. 757 CE)
Wat Mahathat, Sukhothai • Early Dvaravati/Sukhothai Bronze Votive
Main obverse — three seated figures (Trikaya) with early bronze surface showing stable green-brown patina.
Historical Significance
Dated to BE 1300 (c. 757 CE) within the sacred precincts of Wat Mahathat, Sukhothai, this bronze votive reflects the formative spread of Buddhism across the upper Chao Phraya basin. Although the great royal monastery we know today rose in the 13th century, the site evidences earlier devotional activity. The “Phra Sam” (พระสาม) icon presents the Trikaya concept — a synthesis familiar to early mainland Southeast Asian Buddhism — translated into compact personal worship. Such objects likely supported merit-making and temple works more than formal fundraising, predating later standardized batches.
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Detail — crisp ridge lines and ancient wear; no modern tooling marks observed.
Contextual Insight: The tri-figure layout aligns with regional Mahayana-informed pedagogy while serving Theravada devotion. In Thai terms, the piece acts as a phra kruang (personal sacred) linked to the temple’s putthapisek lineage in later eras. For the 8th–9th century context, production was likely small-scale, using local alloys and hand-prepared clay investment molds.
Temple of Origin & Master’s Discipline
Wat Mahathat, Sukhothai stands at the ritual heart of the old capital. While later kings formalized scholastic Theravada, the site’s earlier layer hosted diverse practices. The working principle of wicha (“ritual expertise”) here is seen in disciplined forms and economy of line — a quiet austerity that suits contemplative use.
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Reverse — subtle casting ripples and mineral accretions from long burial typical of early-period bronzes.
Materials & Craftsmanship
| Material | Bronze alloy (copper–tin–lead); stable archaeological patina with cuprite nodes. |
| Mold / Pim | Phra Sam (Trikaya) — three seated figures beneath an arched field; shallow relief; primitive rim. |
| Consecration | Archaeological-period votive; formal later putthapisek records do not apply. |
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Side/detail — investment-mold seam remnants; micro-pitting from ancient casting gases.
Spiritual Function & Doctrinal Purpose
According to Thai Buddhist belief, the Trikaya image supports Klaew Klaad (evasion from danger), Metta Mahaniyom (social goodwill), and Maha Amnaj (commanding presence). Worn close to the body, it serves as a doctrinal reminder of the Buddha’s truth, enjoyment, and emanation bodies in daily life.
Rarity & Collector Significance
Assessed as Museum-worthy (Extremely Rare). Collectors prize early bronzes with intact contours, undisturbed patina, and untooled reverse fields. Comparable pieces surface infrequently and are typically retained by museums or long-term private holdings.
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Disclaimer: The information here supports cultural and academic appreciation of Thai Buddhist material heritage. Details on authentication and provenance aid study and personal appreciation, and are not legal or forensic certification.