, Thailand, 17th - 18th century, This form of the Buddha is a typical Thai iconic invention that emerged in Thai bronze sculpture in the 14th century. At Sukhothai it is known as ca?krama where it refers to the pacing of Buddha during the third week after his Enlightenment. Ca?krama refers to “walking”, according to Mahāpraj?āpāramitā?āstra (chapter 3). In early Buddhist art at Sa?cī and Bhārhūt (early 1st century b.C.), the walking Buddha is symbolically represented by a meditation path which is also called ca?krama. One of the earliest representations of a walking Buddha is found on a lintel from Takht-I-Bahi in Pakistan (2nd -3rd century AD). Walking of the Buddha might be a significant symbol of his rejection of his royal life and thus of his alternative destiny as a universal King as described in the Suttanipāta. Kings and Gods do not usually walk. The earliest known representation of the walking Buddha in Southeast Asia is from Wat Benchamabopit, Sukhothai area, 14th century AD. Buddha is depicted here in mid-stride, his left foot forward, and left hand in abhayamudrā (gesture of fearlessness, a hand gesture where the hand is held upright with the palm facing outward). H 29 cm (34,5 cm including socle), With a small restoration on the right foot.
