Phra Somdej Wat Rakhang Kositaram, Large Mold, Type 1 by Somdet Phra Buddhacharn (To Phrommarangsi)

This particular Phra Somdej Wat Rakhang is known for its coarse texture, commonly referred to as “tub tap” in the collector’s community, which indicates a material composition rich with mass. This is a “bottom-of-the-jar” type texture, as it comes from the collection of sacred materials stored in a large jar.

The materials used in Phra Somdej Wat Rakhang include a mixture of white lime from seashells, which was used by Somdet Phra Buddhacharn to inscribe sacred scripts and then erased to create the mixture. These sacred substances were collected and stored in a large jar, and whenever a batch of Phra Somdej was to be made, materials would be taken out, mixed with tung oil, and pulp from sacred mulberry paper, kneaded into bars, cut into segments, and pressed into molds to create the amulet.

If the mixture contained a high amount of white lime, the amulet would have a white, hardened texture. If the composition was well-balanced, the amulet would be softer. If the mixture came from the bottom of the jar, the amulet would be rich with material, giving it the “tub tap” texture. Collectors highly value Phra Somdej Wat Rakhang amulets with a rich, “tub tap” texture, yellowed from the tung oil, and containing mulberry paper, giving the surface a soft, wrinkled appearance that adds to its beauty.

This Phra Somdej Wat Rakhang Kositaram, Large Mold, Type 1 has a brownish tone with a significant amount of material, featuring the “tub tap” texture, making it a highly valued piece. The edges are cut close to the arched niche, making the figure appear slightly slim and narrow. The arched niche itself is round, large, and well-formed. A distinctive feature is found on the right curve of the niche, where a piece of material from Phra Sum Kor is clearly embedded.

The main Buddha figure is slightly tilted, making the topknot fine and pointed, extending to the arch. The head is large and round, with both ears visible. The mold shifted slightly during pressing, which caused the sanghati line not to be fully imprinted, but otherwise, the figure is intact. The arms are slim, with the material contracted and positioned perpendicularly. The left elbow has the robe line extending to the left knee. The lap is intact, but the left foot is not deeply impressed. The third level of the base is a bolster, with a clearly defined line beneath the lap. The second level is a complete lion’s paw table, and the first level is a thick and well-defined flat base, with the right end sloping in a hatchet shape.

The back of the amulet features a “custard” mold type, with all four edges cut in an ant trail pattern, a key indicator for identifying Phra Somdej Wat Rakhang according to its theory.

I would like to extend my gratitude to Mr. Thanathat Thongniam for providing the images of this Phra Somdej Wat Rakhang Kositaram, Large Mold, Type 1, to accompany this description and share knowledge and experience on this platform.

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