Lao Buddha Statues

Lao Buddha Statues are made up of bronze which is constructed by the Lao people of Southeast Asia. Even though the Lao people construct the sculptures by using the bronze, the use of gold and silver are also seen.

Among the Lao Buddha Statues, the famous Vat Manorom is believed to be the oldest colossal sculpture while the sculpture at the Garden Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat provides a modern twist to the ancient tradition.

Medium of Lao Buddha Statues

As it has already been mentioned that the Lao Buddha statues are constructed by using bronze, but the use of gold and silvers can also be noticed. By using the bronze, gold, and silver doesn't mean that they are limited to these metals only. It has been recorded that Lao artisans have used a variety of media in their sculptural creations. The use of the medium is also determined by the size of the sculptures. It has been recorded that the precious metals were used to create the Buddha statues or sculptures mainly smaller in size. But there were some large statues or sculptures cast in gold.

Laos artists also created the sculptures from wooden, brick, and stones. The Buddha statues created in these mediums are also housed in various Buddhist temples. The wooden Buddha statues are housed inside the Pak Ou caves. Nowadays, Laos artists also create Buddha statues and then placed it in the Buddha shop with the motive to spread the Laos art and also for the economic support.

Notable Laos Buddha Statues

There are various colossal Buddha statues cast in bronze which are still preserved in its form. Among them, most notable ones are Phra Ong Teu of Vientiane, the Phra Ong Teu of Sam Neua, the statue at Vat Chantabouri in Vientiane and the statue at Vat Manorom in Luang Phrabang. Phra Ong Teu and Vat Chantabouri are dated to the 16th century while Vat Manoram was cast in the 14th century marking itself to be the oldest colossal Buddha statue.

One of the most notable statues cast in gold is the Buddha statue of Phra Sai of the sixteenth century. To its bad luck, this statue had been looted in the late eighteenth century. Currently, the Buddha statue has been enshrined at Wat Po Chai in Nongkhai Thailand. Along with Buddha statues Phra Sai, his two other companion - Phra Serm and Phra Souk's statues are also housed in Thailand. The earlier one is in Bangkok while the latter is in Lopburi. Another famous Buddha statue of Phra Bang is also believed to be cast in gold but the statue is of Sinhalese origin rather than Lao origin. It is also documented that the Laos Buddha statues are equipped with the relics of the Buddha with the purpose the kept the healing benefits.

Another favorite medium for constructing colossal statues is brick and mortar. The most famous statue constructed with brick and mortar is the statue of Phya Vat constructed in the 16th century. This statue is currently located in Vientiane. The statue has been undergone through the renovation which altered the appearance of the statue. Currently, the statue doesn't resemble the original Lao Buddha that was created.

It has been recorded that small and votive Buddha images were carved in wood. These wooden Buddha statues are often houses in the caves mainly inside the Pak Ou caves. Similarly, some of the life-size standing statues of the Buddha were carved in wood.

The Emerald Buddha and the Phra Phuttha Butsavarat are carved in semi-precious stone. The Emerald Buddha is carved from a solid block of jade while Phra Phuttha Butsavarat is made up of crystal. Currently, Both Emerald Buddha statue and Phra Phuttha Butsavarat resides at the Grand Palace in Bangkok.

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