Museum of Buddhist Art in Bangkok has a good reputation for the largest collection of Buddha statues, sculptures and figurines based on Buddhist art work from the kingdom dating back to centuries 6. AD. The exhibition, which reflects the cultural heritage of the various kingdoms in Thailand and neighboring kingdom as well.

Visitors to the Museum of Buddhist Art is usually recommended to start the tour in an attachment to the main building of the Kuan Yin Palace and Museum, which displays a statue of Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy. In the outside this museum has six miniature wooden palaces housing Chinese deities.

The main theme of the Museum of Buddhist Art, however, is housed in eight rooms above the main building displays a statue of Buddha, statues and figurines of the various kingdoms that have impact on Thai art and culture.

From different schools every Buddhist art blended with the previous era, and added a different touch. A detailed explanation given to a statue of Buddha, their characteristics, different postures and subtle variations in the folds of the robe.

Museum is a useful source of knowledge for scholars of Buddhist art and Buddhist sculptures. The casual visitor, looking for an overview of important aspects of Indonesian culture, the museum will find this interesting as well.

Buddhist art from the various kingdoms that are displayed in the Museum of Buddhist Art

Dvaravati art (6-11 century AD)

Dvaravati art is based on the culture of English Dvaravati in Nakhon Phahom, Central Thailand, which was established by Monday from Burma. The Buddhist art is based on the period of the Southern India and Sri Lanka model.

Srivijaya art (7 .- 14th century)

Srivijaya Kingdom that includes Sumatra, Java, the Malay Peninsula and southern Thailand, the Surat Thani and Nakhon Sri Thammarat. Art forms from the era of the rich mix of Indian, Korean, Sri Lanka, Sumatra and Java culture.

Khmer arts (11 .- 19th century)

6 .- 14. century, Khmer Empire which ruled over Laos and Cambodia in the northeast of Thailand (Isarn). Khmer art is to have a lasting legacy on Buddhist art work for centuries to come.

Burmese art (11 .- 19th century)

Burmese art that evolved from different ethnic groups in Burma ancient kingdom of Pagan. In Burma, on Monday, Arakan, Tai Yai-Buddhist kingdom to develop their art during the reigns. All these groups had an influence on Thai art.

Sukhothai art (13 .- 15th century)

Kingdom of Sukhothai art flourished under the government of King Ramkhamhaeng. Sukhothai art soon emerged from the classical Khmer influence and establish a unique style.

Ayuthaya art (1350 - 1767)

At the exhibition in Ayuthaya art in the Buddhist Art Museum is a long period of art in Thailand. Pre-Ayuthaya art is a combination of Khmer art Bayon period (the Bayon temple in Cambodia) and Dvaravati art, a mixture known as U Thong Art.

The establishment of Ayuthaya produced a mixture of Khmer and Sukhothai style which gradually evolved into its own special characters in the 16 century ..

Lanna art (13 .- 20th century)

Lanna Kingdom (Land of a Million Fields) was established by King Mengrai in northern Thailand in 1296. Pure art Lanna kingdom when it was developed independently. Lanna came under government Burma and Thailand and then under the rule. This statue of Buddha during the period that they are fine differences.

Lan Xang art (14 .- 18th century)

The kingdom of Lan Xang (Land of a Million Elephants) was founded by King FAH Ngum in the 14 century. After the fall of Sukhothai. Kingdom of Laos and discussed days northeastern Thailand. King FAH Ngum made Buddhism the state religion and began to be a form of art that also left them on the Buddhist art.

Thonburi art (1767 - 1782)

Thonburi art had a brief period as the kingdom only lasted for 15 years.

Rattanakosin art (1782 - present)

What followed Rattanakosin era of modern art Bangkok. Buddha statue and sculpture during the Kings Chakri different develop their own identity.

Eight other rooms in the Museum of Buddhist Art is not directly related to the central theme but equally interesting. This includes art from pre-history cultural Ban Chiang, Yao paintings, stone sculptures.

Unusual set of exhibits in this museum is a space to display the statue of Jesus Christ and Mother Mary, a reflection of the Buddhist religious tolerance in society.

Museum of Buddhist Art embodies not only the art and culture developed over more than a millennium through the rise and fall of several kingdoms. He symbolizes the philosophy of moderation and tolerance, values that a beacon of light in the problem this time.

For more information Bangkok Museum.

Museum of Buddhist Art first appeared in Tour Bangkok Legacies travel site on the history of people, places and events that left their mark on the landscape of Bangkok.

The author Eric Lim, a free-lance writer, living in Bangkok Thailand.