Original Thai 19th Century Bronze Equestrian Statue of King of Siam Chulalongkorn the Great - 8” Tall

Original Item. Only One Available. Chulalongkorn (20 September 1853 – 23 October 1910), posthumously honoured as King Chulalongkorn the Great, was the fifth king of Siam from the Chakri dynasty, titled Rama V. Chulalongkorn's reign from 1868 until his death in 1910 was characterised by the modernisation of Siam, governmental and social reforms, and territorial concessions to the British and French empires. As Siam was surrounded by European colonies, Chulalongkorn, through his policies and acts, ensured the independence of Siam.

Chulalongkorn was born as the son of Mongkut, the fourth king of Siam. In 1868, he travelled with his father and Westerners invited by Mongkut to observe the solar eclipse of 18 August 1868 in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. During that trip, Chulalongkorn and his father both contracted malaria which resulted in his father's death, and his accession to the throne. The 1893 Franco-Siamese crisis and Haw wars took place during his reign. All his reforms were dedicated to ensuring Siam's independence given the increasing encroachment of Western powers, so that Chulalongkorn earned the epithet Phra Piya Maharat or known as the Great Beloved King.

This is an outstanding bronze equestrian statue of King Chulalongkorn measuring 8” tall with a base measuring 2 ½ x 5”. It has some heavy wear and minor damage to his sword and horse’s reins, but it has held up very well considering its age. There are some very small holes in the base as shown.

This statue is based on the Equestrian statue of King Chulalongkorn at the center of the Royal Plaza in Bangkok, Thailand, honoring King Chulalongkorn. It was erected on 11 November 1908 to commemorate his 40th anniversary of his accession to the throne, the longest-reigning monarch in Siamese history at that time.

An outstanding piece, likely the only piece related to Chulalongkorn we will ever offer. Ready to display.