Sukhothai style

Canonical style for Buddha icons developed probably in the kingdom of Sukhothai (modern Thailand), beginning in the 14th century. The Sukhothai Buddhas—typically either seated in the half-lotus posture with right hand performing the earth-touching gesture or walking with one foot forward and the right hand raised to the chest—have a boneless, weightless elegance. The parts of the body follow abstract ideals based on analogy with natural forms (e.g., shoulders like an elephant's trunk, torso like a lion). The head typically bears a flamelike protuberance above a cranial bump, which the faithful believe contains an extra brain cavity.

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