THAI SCHOOL

“Luang Pu Thuat” (1998)
Pencil & charcoal
Cm
Signed lower right
*private collection, Sydney
 
This intricate work was completed by a Thai street artist in Chiang Mai, of legendary Buddhist monk, Luang Pu Thuat. He was born in 1582 (2125 BE) and died 1682 (2225 BE) in Ayer Kala, Lenggong, Perak, Malaysia. He is mentioned in the early regional histories of southern Thailand, but his life is mainly preserved in oral traditions. Stories of the famous monk were passed on by word of mouth for centuries. As a result, it is a mixture of Buddhist elements: early signs, alleged magic, travel, study, meditation and eventual “sainthood.” Pu Thuat is said to have performed many miracles in his lifetime, and in death his powers are legendary to Buddhists in Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia. Amulets produced in his honour depicting the famous monk are sacred possessions for they hold great protective powers granting safety in times of distress. Older, sacred amulets of Pu Thuat are considered priceless and very powerful. This stunning, transcedent pose is one of the most recognizable depictions of Pu Thuat, an image that is immortalized in a series of huge statues throughout Thailand, which are worshipped by millions of Buddhists.