The Buddhist Art Museum in Bangkok is reputed to have the largest collection of Buddha statues, sculptures and figurines based on Buddhist art dating back to the kingdoms of the 6th century. The exhibits reflect the cultural heritage of the various kingdoms of Thailand and neighboring kingdoms as well.

Visitors to the Museum of Buddhist Art are generally recommended to start his tour in an annex to the main building that houses the Kuan Yin Palace and Museum which displays statues of Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy. The courtyard outside the museum has six residential buildings of wood in miniature Chinese deities.

The main theme of the Museum of Buddhist Art, however, is on top of eight rooms in the main building displaying Buddha statues, sculptures and figures of the different kingdoms that had an impact on Thai art and culture.

The various schools of Buddhist art of each era mixed with the above and adds his distinctive touch. Detailed explanations are provided for the Buddha statues, their characteristics, different postures and subtle variations in the folds of the robe.

The museum is a valuable source of knowledge for the study of Buddhist art and sculptures of Buddha. The casual visitor, seeking an overview of an important aspect of Thai culture is also an interesting museum.

Buddhist art of the different kingdoms is shown at the Museum of Buddhist Art

Dvaravati art (6-11 centuries)

Dvaravati basa art culture in the United Kingdom of Dvaravati in Phahom Nakhon, Thailand on Monday by Central Burma. Buddhist art work from this period is based in southern India and Sri Lanka models.

Srivijaya art (7-14 centuries)

The Srivijaya kingdom covered Sumatra, Java, Malay Peninsula and southern Thailand to Surat Thani and Nakhon Sri Thammarat. The art of this era had a rich mixture of Indian, Khmer, Sri Lanka, Java and Sumatra cultures.

Khmer Art (11-19 centuries)

The 6-14 centuries, the Khmer Empire in Cambodia and Laos was ruled on the northeast of Thailand (Isarn). Khmer art was to have an enduring legacy on Buddhist art work for centuries to come.

Myanmar Arts (11-19 centuries)

Burmese art evolved from the various ethnic groups in ancient Burmese kingdom of Pagan. The Burmese, Mon, Arakan, Tai-yai kingdoms developed Buddhist art during their respective reigns. All these groups had an influence on Thai art.

Sukhothai art (13-15 centuries)

Art flourished in the Kingdom of Sukhothai during the reign of King Ramkhamhaeng. Sukhothai classical art before leaving the Khmer influence and established its unique style.

Ayuthaya art (1350 - 1767)

Ayuthaya on art exhibitions at the Museum of Buddhist Art represents the longest period in Thai art. Pre-Ayuthaya art was a combination of Khmer art of the Bayon period (the Bayon temple in Cambodia) and Dvaravati art, a mixture is known as U Thong Art.

The establishment of Ayuthaya produced a blend of Khmer and Sukhothai styles gradually became its own distinctive character in the 16th century.

Lanna art (ages 13-20)

The Lanna kingdom (Land of a Million Fields) was established by King Mengrai in northern Thailand in 1296. Pure Lanna art developed when the kingdom was independent. Lanna under Burmese rule and later under the rule of Thailand. The Buddha statues during these periods had their differences.

Lan Xang art (14-18 centuries)

The kingdom of Lan Xang (Land of a Million Elephants) was founded by King Fah Ngum in the 14th century after the fall of Sukhothai. The kingdom today covered parts of Laos and northeastern Thailand. King Fah Ngum made Buddhism the state religion and thus started an art form that also left their mark on Buddhist art.

Thonburi art (1767 - 1782)

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

Rattanakosin art (1782 - present)

What followed was Rattanakosin art of modern-day Bangkok. The Buddha statues and sculptures during the reign of the Chakri Kings developed a distinct identity.

The eight other rooms at the Museum of Buddhist Art are not directly related to the topic, but equally interesting. These artifacts range from the prehistoric culture of Ban Chiang, Yao paintings, stone sculptures.

An unusual number of exhibitions in this museum is the room displaying statues of Jesus Christ and Mother Mary, a reflection of religious tolerance in Buddhist society.

The Museum of Buddhist Art represents not only art and culture evolved over a millennium through the rise and fall of several kingdoms. It symbolizes the philosophy of moderation and tolerance, values that serve as a beacon of light in these difficult times.

For more Bangkok Museums.

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

The author Eric Lim, a freelance writer, lives in Bangkok, Thailand.