Phra Kleeb Bua

	INCLUDES FULL INDEPENDENT CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY ISSUED BY G-PRA Somdej Toh (BE 2331-2415), known formally as Phra Buddhachan Toh Phomarangsi, was one of the most famous Buddhist monks during the Thai Rattanakosin era. He left with us his lasting legacy and a blessing through his many amulets, something that the majority of amulet collectors dream of owning. Most of his amulets are well beyond the average collectors purse with prices exceeding many millions of baht, an obvious example being his Somdej amulets. What is little known is that he did indeed bless other pims, and once you are aware of this fact the concept that you could own one of his amulets may not be as far fetched as it would first appear. In fact it is possible for anyone to own an amulet blessed by this great monk, you don't need to be wealthy just wise. It is a well known fact amongst experienced collectors that he blessed a series of amulets at Wat Lingkob, Bangkok, in BE 2411. Wat Bowonmongkhon was formerly called Wat Lingkob, restored and given to the Mon people for their religious rites by Somdet Phra Bowonratchao Krom Phraratchawangbowon Mahasenanurak. It is located on the banks of the Chaophrya at Thonburi In BE 2411, the then current Abbot of the temple was Pra Sumethachan. He entered the priesthood as a novice at the age of 10 before being ordained at Wat Bangput, Nothaburi. In 2399 he moved to Wat Chanasongkram, Banglampu, before being invited to take up the position of Abbot at Wat Lingkob after the death of the previous Abbot, Pra Ramanmunee. It is recorded that he constructed a new Chedi which he was to fill with many votive tablets such as Phra Kleep Bua made from baked clay and other valuables. The blessing ceremony attended by many leading monks of the era was presided over by none other than Pra Somdej Buddhachan Toh himself, making these amulets extremely valuable and highly collectible. What is even more exciting is that these amulets are still affordable and I would highly recommend that any serious collector secure at least a single pim. These amulets were not recovered until March BE 2509 when part of the chedi collapsed due to water erosion. Originally thieves were first to discover the breach and although the temple was alerted and guarded by local police still more of the cache was stolen. The Religious Affairs Department finally gave permission for the Chedi to be formerly excavated. Amongst the scared amulets other Buddhist relics such as gold rings and takruts were also uncovered. Many of the amulets are heavily stained with fungus or worn away, but it is still possible to acquire clean examples as shown above. These amulets are generally quite easy to identify although fakes abound. (Note the slight fungal growth and finger prints to the rear.) Kleep Bua literally mean lotus petal