Click on the thumbnails to see detail photos.
Singh Neung - This is a new Buddha image, the most impressive in my collection.
It was modelled after the main Buddha at Wat Phra Singh in Chiang Mai, one of the three main temples in the city. This is a picture of the temple, followed by a photo from
inside the temple showing this Buddha's namesake.
The following is from the marker in front of the wat:
Wat Pra Singh Voramahavihara - Wat Pra Singh, formerly known as Wat
Lee Chiang, has been an important wat of Chiang Mai for 700 years. It was constructed by King Phayoo of Mengrai dynasty. When King Saen Muang Ma was reigning the
Lanna Thai kingdom, Phra Buddhadasingh, one of the most renown buddha images was taken from Kampaengpet to Chiang Mai by King Mahaprom to present to the Chiang Mai king.
It so happened that the chariot carrying the image broke down at this spot and the Buddha image was consequently installed in this wat. Because of this incident, Wat Lee
Chiang became known as Wat Lee Chiang Pra and later on got the name of Wat Pra Singh. In B.E. 2315 (1772 A.D.) this wat received a major reconstruction under the
auspices of King Kavila. Besides Pra Singh, this wat has the other important Buddha image Pra Thongtip cast in Be.E. 2020 (1477 A.D.) in Chiang Saen style, made of
gold and copper
Singh Neung is approximately 16 inches high and 12 inches wide including the base, beautifully cast in bronze. It has a wonderfully serene face and is the nicest
one I saw for sale during my travels through Thailand. The outstanding craftsmanship and impressive size make this piece worthy of its name: Singh Neung (First Lion).
It was purchased from a well known and reputable art and antiques dealer in Chiang Mai, which is in northern Thailand. For the devout or the collector, this will make
an impressive centerpiece to your altar or collection.
Item name: Singh Neung
PRICE: $2000.00 including shipping and insurance
