Sukhothai,
Thailand
Friday, November 17, 2006
The Ramkhamhaeng Museum proves a perfect introduction to the wealth of wats within the historical park. Sukhothai art shifted away from Khmer (Cambodian) and Hindu influences to create its own style. This is most evident in its portrayal of Buddha, as a walking figure, subtly tilted and slightly effete. The slender, bronze, 14th-century, Hindu deities, with rich costume jewellery are sublime. The locally crafted Sangkalok pottery was the Sukhothai period's most successful export, and numerous examples of green-and brown-glazed ceramics are on display, along with the methods of production. An overgrown, excavated kiln can be found north of the park. Exhibited 14th-century Buddhas bear squares of gold leaf from more recent devotions.
The best way to explore the numerous wats dotted about Old Sukhothai is by bike, a snip at 20 baht a day. I head through the park and west.
To be continued...
