How old are they? Where were they made? How where the Amulets Crafted? How are they believed to help us? These are probably the first questions that come to mind when someone is admiring a antique or amulet like these. Amulets and coinage from this region of South East Asia are often difficult to date with precision. However we can definitively assign them to a period in time when they were crafted. We offer a brief summary of each of the ages below in our own words as relevant to the times for our amulets and antiques. Further we detail the types of Amulets popular during these periods and what strengths and powers the amulets are renown to impart upon their wearer. If you have any questions about them or have something to add we welcome feedback from our fellow collectors who share our passion.
Queen Jamadevi Amulet w/ sword drawn, Tavaravadi Period
Tavaravadi Period
629 - 1292 A.D. (B.E. 1172 - 1835)Our earliest covered period that encompasses the illustrious reign of Queen Jamadevi, The Harinpunchai Kingdom, Tiger Cave Hermit. Notable Amulets include: Phra Rod, Queen Jamadevi, and Phra Tum Sua.
Phra Nakprok Amulet, Lopburi period
Lopburi Period
957 - 1257 A.D. (B.E. 1500 - 1800) Lavo Kingdom, perhaps the most preeminent of Thailand prior to the founding of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, with a rich history that dates back to the bronze age. Known for Phra Naprok, King Narai, and other rare amulets.
Phra Pong Supan Amulet, U-Thong Period
U-Thong Period
1157 -1457 A.D. (B.E. 1700 – 2000)
Ayothaya Kingdom, were the arts and philosophy flourished under King Ramathibodi I. Best known for the ever popular Phra Pong Supan Amulets from modern day Supanburi.
Phra Sumkor Amulet, Sukothai period
Sukhothai Period
1238 - 1438 A.D. (B.E. 1781 - 1981)
The Sukhothai Kingdom translated from Sankrit to mean “The Dawn of Happiness” gave us some of the Thailand’s most celebrated rulers such as King Ramkhamhaeng and sought after Amulets such as Phra Sumkor and Phra Buddha Chinnaraj.
Phra Yodtong ancient flag pole adornment, Ayutthaya period.
Ayutthaya Period
1350 - 1767 A.D. (B.E. 1893 - 2310 )
This period saw the foundation of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, the largest cosmopolitan city of the world during the height of it’s reign. And a premier golden age for Siam that gave birth to hero Kings like King Naraseuan the Great and King Sampetch (The Tiger King) who promoted Muay Thai by disguising himself as a commoner to participate in matches held to honor the warriors. Popular rare amulets such as Phra Kunpaen Baankrang, and Phra Yodtong hail from this period.
Phra Somdej Amulet, No.1 in Thailand, Rattanakosin period
Rattanakosin Period
1782 A.D. (2325 B.E.) - Present Day
The dawn of the modern era, dominated by the foundation of the Chakri Dynasty, saw Thailand flourish under wise leadership in the new capitol of Krungthep (Bangkok) as Enlightened Kings such as King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) worked diligently to keep Siam from falling to colonization while adopting modern systems of governance. Thus setting the stage for future generations to carry on his work bringing Thailand into the 20th century with dignity and freedom as a regional power. Popular Amulets from this period include Phra Somdej and Phra Sanggaijayna.