Nakhon Pathom

Refers to the period named for the region of Nakhon Pathom in the Dvaravati kingdom. In ceramics, the period features high-fired earthenware containers, funeral urns, clay votive tablets, kendi or water vessels with a bulbous spout and tall neck with flared rim, and oil lamps, decorated in red pigment or incised stamped patterns. Some ceramic pieces such as terracotta figurines served as architectural decorations. In sculpture, the period features Buddha images with some Mon stylistic elements such as broad facial features and large hair curls. Sculpture in the round is rigidly frontal and symmetrical and the hands in the vitarka mudr position in which the two hands jointly perform a unified gesture as in Dvaravati sculpture. The period also features Buddha seated in the 'European' manner, legs hanging down and knees apart. Bas-relief sculpture from the period is characterized by narrative panels divided into two registers and is used to decorate stupa monuments. Other artistic productions also include gold and silver votive tablets signifying wealth and power, neck and chest ornaments made of flat gold plates, gold betel sets, gold plaques in relief, images of Buddha cut out of gold sheet, and ornaments and figurines decorated with repoussé, filigree, enameling and niello work.