Thailand, 19th centuryThe deity seated in the dyhanasana position on a lotus flower base, the hands resting on the prominent lap.16 x 13,5 x 8,5 cmProvenance: Italian private collection.Phra Sangkachai is a specific figure of Thai Buddhism. Legend has it that he abandoned all of his wealth to follow the teachings of the Buddha, later becoming an arhat. His pleasant physical appearance attracted the attention of men and women: he therefore decided to gain weight to be less pleasant. He was appreciated by all devotees for his ability to easily explain the holy scriptures.