A muscular Buddha model in Thailand went viral and sold out within three days of pre-orders going live.
In the Land of Smiles, it is not uncommon to have a small Buddha statue inside one’s home for worship and protection.
A pair of artists in Thailand saw this as an opportunity to showcase a Buddha that is more physically imposing and handsome — and it seems their idea paid off.
Source: TOY CNX ของเล่นเชียงใหม่ on Facebook
The Buddha model was made available for purchase by an art toy store in Chiang Mai on Sunday (24 Nov).
But only three days after the initial announcement, the store made a disappointing update for customers.
It turns out the buff and handsome Buddha model was so popular that all 100 models had been snatched up, according to Khaosod.
For disappointed hopefuls, the store also said to keep an eye out for its future plans in 2025.
The model featured a typical Buddha in the lotus position. However, instead of the usual modest body, the artists opted to give their particular Buddha a chiselled body not unlike Greek sculptures.
They showcased a sample on TikTok, which went viral and garnered over 4.3 million views.
Named “The Buddha of Power”, the model cost ฿1,500 (S$59), but pre-orders were a little cheaper at ฿1,300 (S$51).
Interested customers could pick between three colours: black, white, and gold. The resin model would be 13cm tall and 11.3cm wide.
According to the store, the models will be shipped out in batches of 10-20 weekly from January to March 2025.
Channel 3 News reporters approached a respected abbot at Wat Suan Kaew in Nonthaburi province to ask him about the muscular Buddha.
He said he didn’t see it as a sculpture or a work of religious art. “The Buddha was not a weight lifter,” he said.
“The Buddha was simple and graceful,” he added.
If the artists had instead focused on creating an appropriately beautiful sculpture, they may have been awarded the prestigious National Artist title, the abbot said.
Also read: Police in Thailand discover nearly S$4M worth of drugs hidden in Buddha statues
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Featured image adapted from TOY CNX ของเล่นเชียงใหม่ on Facebook.
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