A place collecting antique and amulets to sustain Buddhism in form of object, including being a source for searching about art and cultures. The Buddha images at Wat Phra That Mae Chedi Museum are from 3 main sources as follows;
1. Phra Kru Wat Noi
Ba virtue of Phra Kru Phaiboon, he is the first one discovering the gold Buddha images, Singh I and Singh lll,brest chain, Buddhas relics and other images. Some of these amulets were found as being contained in an earthen jar put under the base of temple.
According to vision of Phra Kru Phaiboon, Kru Ba Saengma told him that the amulets burried in Kru Wat Noi were made in India and brought into Suwannabhum area by Princess Munee Saengtham via Burma to Thailand, which Phra Kru Phaiboon found an inscription in Lanna Ianguage taken as evidence for education. Mostly, these amulets ware decotated with colorful glass.
Another group of amulets were made at Ching Rung, Sip Song Panna while it still was part of Kingdom of Nan Chao.
2. The Buddha images brought from Bangkok
They are Phra Wang Na, Phra Somdet Kru Wat Indharawihan, and ohters.
About during 1917-1937, a Chinese merchant, named "Phot" having domicile around Wat Indharawihan, Bangkok, floated for trading purpose between Bangkok-Lamphun, and intimated to Mhon (great-grandfather of Phra Kru Phaiboon). Mhon gave him a rice farm. He brought these amulets along on every trips he made during that period. Unfortunately, he and his son died without any heir, they returned the rice farm and bestowed things kept in the barn to Mhon. When Mhon became old age, he allotted his assets to Navice Ai Sangpinta (grandfather of Phra Kru Phaiboon) Later, he gave those things to Phra Kru Phaiboon.
In 2009, when the construction of the hall of gold Buddha images was completed, Phra Kru Phaiboon considered that it is the matter of religion, so he brought out some of Buddha images to be displayed to people coming to worship the 2 gold Buddha images.
The small Buddha images of Phra Wang Na displayed in Wat Phra That Mae Chedi Museum were made in year 1858, 1868, 1882 and 1908. The Phra Wang Na of 1858 was made by Krom Phra Ratchawang Boworn Wichaichan who is the son of Phrabat Somdet Phra Pinklao Chaoyuhua, the coexistingly king in the reign of Phrabat Somdet Phra Chomklao Chaoyuhua (King Rama IV), made sacred by Somdet Phra Buddhacharn To Phromrangsi, The Phra Wang Na of 1868 was also made by Krom Phra Ratchawang Boworn Wichaichan in cooperation with Chao Phraya Phanuwong Kosathipbodi to reinforce the prestige of King Rama V at the time he succeeded to the throne.
One type of them having special form in the one decortated with diamond, precious stones and jewels made to distribute to scions of royal house, nobelmen and high ranking couriters only.
Many types of rare amultes were also found here. Phra Ruang Rangpuen, Phra Luang Pu Tuat which was molded in Ayudhaya period, made from sacred powder mixed with gum from black-varnish tree, Phra Lila Nang Talung of Luang Pu Bun, Phra Pitta, Luang Phor Kaeo Wat Khrueawan, Luang Phor Ngern in various forms.
3. Amulets and antiques contributed by people having faith and Phra Kru Phaiboon private collections
Kru Ba Sriwichai of year 1932 was made at Doi Suthep, It is the one Chao Kaeo Naowarat who is a lineage of Kru Be Sriwichai faithfully gave to after she knew that Phra Kru Phaiboon intended to build the world biggest bronze statue of Kru Ba Sriwichai.
For more information, please contact Phra Kru Phaiboon Phatthanaphirak (Thawan Parak-kamo) Wat Phra That Mae Chedi Tambon Mae Chedi Mai, Amphoe Wiang Pa Pao, chiang Rai 57260. ++6685-706-3570
