Very Large Thai Somdej Buddhist amulet plaque, 17.5cm

Large Thai Somdej Buddhist amulet plaque, 17.5cm.

Phra Somdej (พระสมเด็จ) amulets are among the most sought after amongst amulet collectors. The rarest of these are worth a great deal of money amongst collectors. They depict a simple Buddha image of the seated Buddha atop a three-tiered throne.

Amulets like these are cast in moulds. They can contain dirt from a temple grounds or even parts of a monk's robe.

The origin of this particular Somdej is unknown - it is without doubt the largest such votive table we have ever seen at 17.5cm high x 12cm wide x 2.5cm deep.

It was probably created by someone to generate as much good luck as possible. It is cast from a plaster composite and has a mottled finish. Buddhist symbols are incised on the reverse. Age unknown.