This Buddha, when it was complete, would have looked down serenely upon those who worshipped it. It was produced in Lan Na (northern Thailand), a major bronze-casting centre. Its prominent cranial bump (ushnisha) was originally topped by a flame finial (now missing) similar to those on the two Sukhothai Buddha images on display in this gallery. As with Sukhothai, Lan Na was heavily influenced by Sri Lankan Buddhism. Styles flowed between the various kingdoms, and Buddha images from Lan Na and Sukhothai share many similarities. Influence also moved by less peaceful means: in the 15th century, Sawankhalok captured by Tiloka, the Lan Na king, who then repulsed a number of attempts by Sukhothai to regain the city.
