{"product_id":"por-sala-tan-copy-110","title":"Por Sala Tan","description":"\u003cp\u003ePST02\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChu Chok\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePor Sala Tan\u003cbr\u003earound B.E 2525\u003cbr\u003e2 Inches\u003cbr\u003eMainstream Artifact\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSacred Craftsmanship\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEach carving was individually handmade from natural Nga Chang. Differences in colour, grain, ageing, carving, dimensions and surface character are therefore expected, making every surviving example individually distinct.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePersonal Experiences Shared by Luksits\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAmong collectors and luksits who carry Chu Chok, the most frequently discussed experiences concern \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003easking, negotiation and receiving assistance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSome speak of entering a difficult discussion expecting rejection, only to find that the other party becomes more willing to listen. Others associate Chu Chok with customers becoming easier to communicate with, negotiations progressing after initially reaching a dead end, or someone unexpectedly offering assistance at an important moment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBusinesspeople particularly value this quality.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRather than describing Chu Chok simply as a money amulet, experienced owners often describe him as helping with the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ehuman process that comes before money\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e — approaching someone, making a request, presenting an offer, negotiating terms and receiving a favourable response.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is why Chu Chok has remained popular among salespeople, traders, commission workers and those whose livelihood depends upon dealing directly with others.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe traditional accounts should be understood as devotees’ experiences rather than guarantees. Chu Chok’s symbolism is closely connected with persistence: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eone still has to ask, speak, negotiate and pursue the opportunity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSummary\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChu Chok by Por Sala Tan\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is an exceptionally limited early family piece, traditionally dated to around \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eB.E. 2525\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, with fewer than ten examples said to have been produced.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCarved from \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNga Chang\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and preserved in an old custom silver casing, its principal traditional qualities centre upon \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMetta Maha Niyom, Chok Lap, Maha Lap, successful requests, negotiation, business opportunity and receiving assistance from others\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChu Chok’s strength is particularly appropriate for people whose work requires them to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eask and receive\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor business owners, this may mean attracting customers and encouraging favourable dealings. For salespeople, it concerns persuasion and closing transactions. For others, it may concern requesting assistance, negotiating contracts, collecting payment or approaching someone in a position to provide an opportunity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe deeper lesson of Chu Chok, however, remains equally important: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eknowing how to ask is powerful, but knowing when enough is enough is wisdom.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHistorical Background\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChu Chok\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e originates from the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVessantara Jātaka\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, one of the best-known Buddhist birth stories concerning the perfection of generosity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHe is portrayed as an elderly Brahmin beggar who eventually journeys to the forest dwelling of Prince Vessantara.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHis request is extraordinary: he asks Vessantara for his two children, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKanha and Chali\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, to become servants. Vessantara grants the request as part of his extreme practice of generosity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWithin the Buddhist narrative, Chu Chok is not presented as an ideal moral figure. He is associated with greed, selfishness and excess, and his eventual fate serves as part of the story’s warning about uncontrolled desire.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThai popular and amulet traditions, however, developed another interpretation around one remarkable aspect of his character:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChu Chok knew how to ask — and he repeatedly received.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDespite having little status or material power, he travelled, persisted, negotiated and succeeded in obtaining things that appeared extremely difficult to acquire.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt is this particular characteristic that eventually transformed his image into a folk symbol of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKan Kho — the ability to make a request and obtain a favourable response\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrigins of the Materials\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe principal material of this example is \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNga Chang\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWithin traditional sacred craftsmanship, Nga Chang was valued not simply as a carving material but as a substance associated with the elephant’s symbolic qualities of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003estrength, Baramee, stability and commanding presence\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor a Chu Chok image, the material creates an interesting balance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChu Chok provides the qualities of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003erequesting, persuasion, opportunity and receiving\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, while Nga Chang contributes the stronger foundation of Baramee and stability.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis example is especially significant because it was reportedly preserved as a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003epersonal family piece belonging to Por Sala Tan’s household\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, rather than being made as part of a broad commercial issue.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRitual\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe central wicha of Chu Chok concerns \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003easking and receiving\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe image is traditionally consecrated around the ability to approach others, communicate one’s needs and encourage goodwill towards a request.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis naturally overlaps with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMetta Maha Niyom\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e — kindness, popularity and favourable treatment from other people.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt also connects with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChok Lap and Maha Lap\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, particularly where financial opportunity depends upon another person agreeing, buying, approving, paying or providing assistance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor Por Sala Tan’s Chu Chok, the Nga Chang body provides the physical foundation upon which these qualities were established.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAs a family-kept piece, it would subsequently have remained close to the household and ritual environment rather than immediately passing through collectors.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlessings and Effects\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe defining quality of Chu Chok is traditionally described as\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Kho: to ask\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFrom this simple principle develops a surprisingly broad range of applications.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn commerce, it concerns \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ecustomer attraction, sales, negotiations, collecting payments and securing agreements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn professional life, it may relate to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003easking for opportunities, assistance, introductions, approval or favourable consideration from senior people\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIts Metta Maha Niyom aspect concerns receiving kindness and having others become more receptive to conversation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIts Chok Lap and Maha Lap qualities concern opportunities through which resources, money or assistance may arrive.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChu Chok is therefore not merely a symbol of passive wealth attraction. His character is far more active:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eapproach, ask, negotiate, persist and receive.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eModern Application\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChu Chok remains particularly relevant to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ebusiness owners, salespeople, property agents, commission workers, entrepreneurs and anyone whose livelihood depends heavily upon negotiation and interpersonal relationships\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt may traditionally be carried when meeting customers, presenting proposals, negotiating prices or contracts, requesting payment or approaching someone for assistance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor a salesperson, Chu Chok represents the courage to make the approach and ask for the order.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor an entrepreneur, it can represent finding investors, customers, suppliers or people willing to provide assistance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor someone employed within an organisation, the same symbolism may be applied when discussing opportunities, responsibilities or remuneration.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe practical philosophy behind the piece remains remarkably straightforward: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ean opportunity that is never requested can easily remain an opportunity never received.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePhysical Details\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn early hand-carved \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChu Chok in Nga Chang\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, traditionally dated to approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eB.E. 2525\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and originating from a very small production of reportedly fewer than ten pieces. The carving depicts the elderly Brahmin in a characteristic bent posture and is housed within an old, individually fitted \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ehand-worked silver casing\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, estimated to be approximately 30–40 years old. Natural variation, ageing and surface patina are consistent with the individually carved character of the piece.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRecommended Pairing\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChu Chok works naturally alongside \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNang Kwak, Metta Maha Niyom, wealth or Baramee pieces\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNang Kwak traditionally draws people towards the business, while Chu Chok concerns what happens once communication begins — \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003easking, negotiating and obtaining the desired agreement\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA strong Baramee piece provides another complementary pairing for individuals who negotiate with senior figures or operate in competitive business environments. Baramee establishes presence and authority, while Chu Chok supports receptiveness and successful requests.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNevertheless, this Nga Chang example already combines the softer quality of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMetta and receiving\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e with the stronger character traditionally associated with Nga Chang, allowing it to be carried independently.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePersonal Notes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat makes this Chu Chok particularly interesting is its reported position within \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePor Sala Tan’s own family collection\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt was not simply one example taken from a large commercial batch. According to its provenance, fewer than ten were made around B.E. 2525, and this example remained preserved within the family before eventually being released.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThere is also a useful lesson within the figure itself.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChu Chok is sometimes described simply as the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“King of Beggars”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, but this can obscure the more interesting reason his image became important in Thai amulet culture. He represents someone with very little conventional power who nevertheless possessed an extraordinary ability to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eapproach, request and obtain\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAt the same time, the Vessantara story does not celebrate limitless acquisition. Chu Chok’s eventual downfall makes excess part of the lesson.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor that reason, perhaps the most balanced interpretation of his wicha is not simply:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“Ask and you shall receive.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt is:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHave the courage to ask, the persistence to pursue what you need, the Metta to gain another person’s goodwill — and the wisdom to recognise when you have received enough.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"OOBThaiAmulets","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48472135958665,"sku":null,"price":477.0,"currency_code":"SGD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0602\/1831\/0793\/files\/Untitled-210_ff4145ae-5ac1-492d-8984-c4c76fdc45ed.jpg?v=1763107169","url":"https:\/\/oobamulets.com\/products\/por-sala-tan-copy-110","provider":"OOBThaiAmulets","version":"1.0","type":"link"}