How did Theravada Buddhist art portray the physical characteristics of the Buddha?

In Theravada Buddhist art, the portrayal of the Buddha is governed by strict adherence to canonical formulas rather than individual artistic invention, as the tradition seeks to maintain the closest possible connection to the Buddha's original form.12

To ensure spiritual potency, sculptors followed specific diagrams and lists of attributes. The Pali canon defines these through 32 major lakshanas (attributes) and 80 minor anatomical characteristics, many of which are pre-Buddhist and shared with depictions of Hindu deities.1

While these canonical requirements provided a standardized foundation, regional styles introduced distinct variations in physical features:

• Dvaravati Style: Often characterized by Mon features, including everted (outward-turned) lips and downward-curved eyelids marked by double channels.3
• Sukhothai Style: Emphasized smooth, rounded modeling of the body and face without clearly defined planes, featuring elegantly recurved outlines of hair, eyebrows, and fingers, often topped with a tall, pointed flame finial.2
• U Thong Style: Represented a fusion that incorporated more clearly defined planes and volumes, suppressing the sinuous curves of the Sukhothai style in favor of a more cubic, squared-off design.2
• Lion Type: Attempted to recapture the simplicity of Sinhalese images, resulting in bodies and limbs with massive, cylindrical strength.2