Siamese

Siamese sculpture refers to the artistic tradition of Thailand (historically Siam), spanning from the 6th century to the present. The tradition is dominated by Buddhist imagery, with nearly all major works depicting the Buddha in various poses and mudras. Key periods include the Dvaravati era (6th-11th centuries), the Sukhothai period (13th-15th centuries), and the Ayutthaya period (14th-18th centuries), each developing distinctive approaches to the Buddha figure.

Thai sculptors worked primarily in bronze, wood, and stone, with teak being the most common wood. Sukhothai-period Buddhas are considered the high point of the tradition, featuring elegant, flowing lines and a distinctive flame-shaped ushnisha (cranial protuberance). Mythical creatures, naga serpents, and elaborate floral motifs also appear throughout Thai sculptural art. Our collection includes 7 works at the Art Institute of Chicago.