Description
Phra Kru Wat Liap Clay Amulet
Maravichai Posture with Two-Tiered Lotus Base
Early Rattanakosin Period
The Phra Kru Wat Liap amulet is a highly respected clay amulet originating from Wat Liap, officially known as Wat Ratchaburana, located at the foot of Phra Phuttha Yodfa Bridge on the Bangkok side of the Chao Phraya River. This particular example depicts the Buddha in the Maravichai (subduing Mara) posture, seated upon a two-tiered lotus base, and is crafted from fired clay mixed with sacred powders.
Historical Background of Wat Liap (Wat Ratchaburana)
Wat Liap was originally constructed in the late Ayutthaya period, reportedly by Chinese merchants who settled in the area. Due to its strategic riverside location near key infrastructure, including a power plant and the Phra Phuttha Bridge, the temple suffered severe bombing during World War II, resulting in extensive damage. For a time, the temple was abandoned and fell into disrepair before later restoration.
Despite this turbulent history, Wat Liap remains renowned in the amulet world for the sacred objects discovered within its stupras (chedis), particularly those dating from the early Rattanakosin era.
Amulets from the Wat Liap Crypts
All amulets unearthed from the crypts of Wat Liap are primarily clay-based, mixed with sacred powders. However, the contents of each stupa were created during different periods and by different masters, resulting in a variety of distinct amulet types. These include:
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Phra Khrua E-to (Phra Rod Muang Tai) amulets
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Lead-alloy amulets depicting the Buddha in various daily postures
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Fired clay meditation-posture amulets attributed to Ajarn Mek
Ajarn Mek and This Particular Amulet
This specific amulet is attributed to Ajarn Mek, a highly respected monk of Wat Liap during the reign of King Rama V. Ajarn Mek was widely known for his deep expertise in Vipassanā meditation and spiritual practice. He created thin, fired clay Buddha images in a seated meditation posture and placed them within a small stupa adjacent to the main chedi that housed the Phra Khrua E-to amulets.
Due to their thin structure, Ajarn Mek’s amulets are especially fragile, making intact and visually appealing examples extremely rare today. As a result, fine specimens are often quietly collected and closely guarded by serious amulet enthusiasts.
This amulet measures approximately 1.5 x 3.5 cm and remains in excellent condition, retaining its original surface, an important factor for collectors assessing authenticity and age.
Spiritual Attributes and Reputation
Amulets created by Ajarn Mek are widely believed to possess strong protective qualities, with many devotees reporting experiences related to invincibility, personal safety, and protection from harm. While such claims are personal in nature, the enduring reputation of these amulets has contributed significantly to their desirability.
Common Misidentification Clarified
A frequent misconception within the amulet market is the attribution of these pieces to Luang Phor Puang of Wat Kok. This is incorrect. These amulets are authentic Wat Liap crypt amulets, created by Ajarn Mek and discovered within the stupas of Wat Liap (Wat Ratchaburana). Understanding this distinction is crucial for accurate identification and valuation.
