Tourist : When did the Ayutthaya art begin?
Guide : It began when King U-Thong founded the capital in 1350 A.D. and lasted until Ayutthaya fell in 1767 A.D.
Tourist : There must be many styles of images of this period as Ayutthaya lasted very long.
Guide : You’re correct. Buddha images of the Ayutthaya style can be divided into 4 sub-periods. At first the second and third U-Thong styles of Buddha image were popular in Ayutthaya, In face the large Buddha image at Wat Phanan Cherng, Luang Phor To, which was built 26 years before the foundation of the city. Belong to the second period of the U-Thong style, The real Ayutthaya style began about the middle of the 15th century in the reign of King Boromtrailokanart.
Tourist : And when was the next sub-perriod?
Guide : The second sub-period was developed in the late 15th century. The Buddha statues developed in this sub-period were influenced by the Sukhothai style, but sometimes U-Thong characteristics could be seen. The face expression is usually lifeless, incomparable to Sukhothai images.
Tourist : How about those of the fourth sub-period?
Guide : During the late Ayutthaya period, crowned Buddha images were very popular They are either profusely decorated or wear only a diadem and ear-ring. The former are called Song Khreung Yai and the latter are called Song Kreung Noi.