Phra Suem Kor, or Phra Kamphaeng Suem Kor, is one of the Benjapakee amulet sets, celebrated as some of the most beautiful sacred sculptures. It is a legendary artifact from Kamphaeng Phet, famed for its reputed spiritual power in bringing luck and wealth, earning the nickname "Having it means never being poor.""}],
"Phra Kamphaeng Suem Kor"
This amulet is a symbol closely associated with Kamphaeng Phet province. The Suem Kor molds are categorized as follows:
1. Suem Kor large mold with Kanok pattern
2. Suem Kor large mold without Kanok pattern
3. Suem Kor medium mold
4. Suem Kor small mold
(Fan-shaped leaf mold)
5. Suem Kor 'Kanom Pia' mold (a type of traditional pastry shape)
Over 700 years ago, it is understood that Kamphaeng Phet was once under Khmer rule, then known as "Chakangrao." Until 1347 CE, King Phraya Lo Thai, the fourth monarch of the Phra Ruang dynasty, restored Chakangrao and renamed it "Nakhon Chum." He elevated it to the status of a secondary royal city alongside "Si Satchanalai." During the Sukhothai period around 1357 CE, Kamphaeng Phet became the most prosperous secondary royal city. This was largely due to King Maha Thammaracha Lithai (the fifth Sukhothai king), who came to enshrine the Buddha relics and planted the sacred Bodhi tree there, performing numerous religious ceremonies. However, during the Ayutthaya period, Kamphaeng Phet served as a frontline fortress against Burmese invasions, a role it maintained through the Thonburi era (1683–1774 CE).
Where religion flourished, art also arose. In 1357 CE, King Maha Thammaracha Lithai elevated Kamphaeng Phet to a "City of Dharma," making it a center of remarkable art. This led to the creation of stunning Buddha images and amulets crafted by Kamphaeng Phet artisans.
Phra Kamphaeng Suem Kor is considered the crown jewel of the 'Field of Millionaires' and is highly regarded as a top amulet for luck and prosperity, currently the most popular in the amulet community. Kamphaeng Phet also produced many other famous sacred sculptures such as Phra Kamphaeng Med Kanun, Phra Kamphaeng Plu Jeep, Phra Kamphaeng Fak Dab (silver and gold versions), Phra Kamphaeng Khao, Phra Kamphaeng Pet Lok, Phra Kamphaeng Glip Jampa, Phra Kamphaeng Ha Roi, Phra Kamphaeng Choei Kang Kang Med, Phra Kamphaeng Plu Jeep, Phra Kamphaeng Med Malue, Phra Kamphaeng Tha Maprang, Phra Kamphaeng Glip Bua, and more.
There are over a hundred other molds, each made from various materials such as mixed clay with pollen powder, bronze, lead, herbal substances, and even green bronze. The most prevalent artistic styles are "Sukhothai" and "U Thong," largely crafted by Kamphaeng Phet artisans. The 'Field of Millionaires' is widely known as the largest treasure trove of amulets in all of amulet history. During the Sukhothai era, it was located in the heart of Nakhon Chum and was likely the religious center of the city. Today, only some ruins and vast fields remain at the "Nakhon Chum Subdistrict." The sacred inscription on a silver palm-leaf manuscript states that "Whoever possesses it will never be poor."
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