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Phra Maha Phichai Yathi (commission of Rama III) — Reclining Buddha of Wat Pho
Phra Maha Phichai Yathi (commission of Rama III)

Reclining Buddha of Wat Pho

1832

This monumental gilded sculpture depicts a reclining Buddha in a state of parinirvana, stretching 46 meters in length within the sacred confines of Wat Pho. Constructed with a brick core and overlaid with gilded plaster, the figure's golden surface glows warmly under temple lighting, creating an ethereal atmosphere enhanced by the ornate red and gold architectural surroundings. Commissioned during the reign of Rama III in 1832, this masterwork represents one of Southeast Asia's most iconic religious sculptures and exemplifies classical Thai temple craftsmanship at monumental scale. The serene horizontal form dominates the interior space, with delicate inlaid mother of pearl details adorning the soles of the feet, demonstrating meticulous decorative attention alongside architectural ambition. As one of Thailand's most visited artworks, the Reclining Buddha remains a quintessential symbol of Buddhist spirituality and Thai cultural heritage. Photo by Sippakorn Yamkasikorn on Unsplash

Medium
Gilded plaster over brick core

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About this work

Phra Maha Phichai Yathi (commission of Rama III), Reclining Buddha of Wat Pho, 1832

This monumental gilded sculpture depicts a reclining Buddha in a state of parinirvana, stretching 46 meters in length within the sacred confines of Wat Pho. Constructed with a brick core and overlaid with gilded plaster, the figure's golden surface glows warmly under temple lighting, creating an ethereal atmosphere enhanced by the ornate red and gold architectural surroundings. Commissioned during the reign of Rama III in 1832, this masterwork represents one of Southeast Asia's most iconic religious sculptures and exemplifies classical Thai temple craftsmanship at monumental scale. The serene horizontal form dominates the interior space, with delicate inlaid mother of pearl details adorning the soles of the feet, demonstrating meticulous decorative attention alongside architectural ambition. As one of Thailand's most visited artworks, the Reclining Buddha remains a quintessential symbol of Buddhist spirituality and Thai cultural heritage. Photo by Sippakorn Yamkasikorn on Unsplash

Medium
Gilded plaster over brick core
Year
1832
Seen at
Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)

Related themes

Nineteenth Century, Buddhist Art, Public Pilgrimage Site, Sacred Art, Reclining Figure, Spiritual Art, Architectural Sculpture, Parinirvana, Thai Temple Art, Monumental Scale, Decorative Arts, Wat Pho, Plaster Sculpture, Interior Installation, Cultural Landmark, Buddha Sculpture, Iconic Artwork, East Asian, Southeast Asian Art, Religious Iconography, Gilded Gold, Bangkok Thailand