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Item id: 10636

Rare Northern Thai Saenkajai Amulet in Custom 22k Gold Case, 400–600 Years Old



A highly unusual and deeply personal Northern Thai amulet depicting Saenkajai (often translated as the “Happy Monk” or “Contented One”), a revered figure associated with prosperity, wisdom, and spiritual well-being. This rare lead-alloy example measures approximately 1.5"" x 1"" x 0.25"" and weighs 35g including its custom case. The amulet was purchased over 30 years ago in the far north of Thailand from a local farmer who discovered it in the ruins of an overgrown temple site believed to date 400–600 years old—likely associated with the ancient kingdoms of Payao or Chiang Saen.



According to the finder, the amulet was enclosed in a clay jar embedded within the chest cavity of a monumental brick-and-stucco Buddha—then an eight-foot-tall, partially collapsed figure reclaimed by vegetation. Inside the jar were clay amulets, crystal beads, and this unusually smooth and beautifully patinated Saenkajai. It was regarded by the owner as exceptionally powerful and rare, and the piece remained with him for years before finally being acquired after considerable effort.

The amulet is housed in an exquisite custom-made 22k gold case produced by a high-end Bangkok jeweler, containing roughly one-third of an ounce of gold and fitted with an opening hinge so the amulet may be removed and worn against the skin. Over a career handling thousands of amulets, the current owner kept only a handful for personal use—this being one of the most treasured. A unique, spiritually compelling, and irreplaceable Northern Thai artifact.