Query: What is the Sukhothai style?
Context: The Sukhothai style is a distinguished and influential art form that originated in the ancient Sukhothai Kingdom. This art style emerged during the 13th and 14th centuries, a period marked by the flourishing of Thai culture, religion, and artistic expression. It typically features:  Graceful and Serene Depiction: The Sukhothai style is characterized by its emphasis on grace, serenity, and inner calm. The artists of this style sought to convey the spiritual qualities of the Buddha through the aesthetics of their creations. The facial expressions of Buddha statues in the Sukhothai style exhibit a gentle and compassionate demeanor, reflecting the Buddha’s enlightenment and his role as a compassionate teacher.  Elongated Body: One of the distinct features of the Sukhothai style is the elongated body of the Buddha. This elongation is not intended to depict a realistic human form but rather to symbolize the Buddha’s transcendence beyond the physical world. The stretched proportions suggest the Buddha’s spiritual and moral elevation, illustrating his departure from worldly concerns. Stylized Drapery: The drapery on Sukhothai-style Buddha statues is rendered with a graceful fluidity. The robes cascade in soft, flowing lines that evoke a sense of motion despite the statues being stationary. This dynamic portrayal symbolizes the Buddha’s teachings and his connection to the continuous cycle of existence. Symbolic Mudras and Postures: The Sukhothai style often incorporates symbolic hand gestures (mudras) and postures (asanas) that convey specific meanings. For instance, the seated meditation posture, known as the Dhyana Mudra, signifies the Buddha’s deep concentration and inner contemplation.