Phra Kong (Kru) • Nur Din • Wat Phra Kong, Lamphun
Hariphunchai–Lanna Heritage • Traditionally ~1,300 years old (Kru)
Main view — classic Lamphun Phra Kong silhouette; aged Nur Din (clay) matrix with mineral freckles and timeworn patina.
Historical Significance
Traditionally attributed to the early Hariphunchai continuum and preserved as a Kru (stupa deposit) at Wat Phra Kong, Lamphun, this line of Phra Kong tablets reflects the North’s devotional aesthetics that later informed Lanna-period forms. Age claims around ~1,300 years are part of local tradition; scholarly estimates vary by findspot and clay analysis. As with many Northern Kru finds, the tablets were created for communal merit-making and ritual protection, then enshrined within chedis for posterity and blessing diffusion to the locality.
Obverse — serene Northern Buddha visage; softened relief from prolonged stupa microclimate and soil interaction.
Contextual Insight: Northern Phra Kong tablets are typically pressed from Nur Din enriched with temple soil, powdered brick, and micro-mineral grit, sometimes with traces of herbal admixtures (wahn). As Kru items, their primary “consecration” was the enshrinement rite itself; many were later ceremonially reblessed (Putthapisek) when chedis were opened for conservation or community redistribution.
Temple of Origin & Master’s Discipline
Wat Phra Kong (Lamphun) belongs to the Hariphunchai–Lanna cultural sphere, where devotional craft paralleled scholastic Buddhism. The regional discipline blends meditation-led iconography with safeguarding wicha (protective methods) for agrarian and travel safety. Proportions are modest and functional — designed to be made in volume for stupa dedication, yet retaining distinct Northern grace.
Reverse — granular clay field with stratified binder sheen and micro-pitting consistent with long Kru residence.
Materials & Craftsmanship
| Material | Nur Din (clay) with temple soil, powdered brick, mineral grit; occasional wahn traces; low-heat set / sun-cured; naturally aged in stupa. |
| Mold / Pim | Northern Phra Kong form; compact shoulders; gentle facial contour; rear typically plain or with faint press texture from drying substrates. |
| Consecration | Primary: enshrinement as Kru deposit; Secondary: community Putthapisek at opening/redistribution (chant cycles; regional katha). |
Side/detail — thin, even tablet profile; pressed edge rounding; micro-voids and earthen inclusions typical of period technique.
Spiritual Function & Doctrinal Purpose
According to Thai–Northern Buddhist belief, Phra Kong supports Klaew Klaad (averting mishaps), Baramee (accumulation of wholesome virtue/authority), and calm awareness through recollection of the Buddha. Devotees wear it for travel safety, protection of livelihood, and steady-minded composure.
Rarity & Collector Significance
Assessed as Collector-grade Kru Lamphun. Desirable tells include: mature earth-tone with layered clay lamina, mineral freckles, stable surface sheen from long burial, and un-restored edges. Intact examples with readable facial planes and undisturbed reverse fields anchor Northern collections and serve as teaching references for early materials and stupa-aging behavior.
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Disclaimer: This article supports cultural and academic appreciation of Thai Buddhist heritage. Dating of Kru finds blends temple tradition and material study; details herein aid learning and are not forensic certification.