Wat Luang Nong-ngu is a large archaeological site at Doisaket District, Chiang Mai Province. Three years ago, the 8th Department of Fine Arts (DFA) excavated the site for a preliminary test. Based on the artifacts, northern Thai ceramic pieces, stucco motifs designed in glass flamed shape found on the site, the DFA provided the date of the site in 15th-16th century. However, it has been said that some Buddha images found on the site were taken to Wat Pa Pao, San Kamphaeng District. This article presents a comparative study between the Buddha image in Wat Pa Pao and Chiang Mai image style of art at that time. The findings are: (1) the style of art of the bronze Buddha image in Wat Pa Pao is a combination of Phra Lavo or Phra Chao Khaeng-khom in Wat Sri Kert, cast by King Tilok in 1483 C.E., with the style of Phra Chao Kao-tue image in Wat Suan Dok, cast by Phra Muang Kao in 1504-1510 C.E., (2) the style of Lavo Buddha image which spread from Ayutthaya still inspired the casting of Wat Pa Pao image in the early 16th century, and (3) the landscape and surrounding of Wat Luang Nong-ngu can be compared with Tīrtha – the concept of pilgrimage place in India. The archaeological site, however, could have been a remote community around Chiang Mai City, similar to Samoeng District.

REF so05.tci-thaijo.org