National Characteristics Through Design Essay

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Art and architecture have always exerted a predominant influence in various fields of a country, especially in moulding a particular culture. As the study of the culture enables one to have a clear assessment regarding a country and its people, the study of Thailand culture is capable of revealing a clear background of its people and their talents in art and architecture. One is aware of the fact that in the formation of the culture of a country, different religions and their places of worship play a very prominent role.

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Many historical studies have identified the remnants of a rich architecture and sculpture that existed in Thailand before hundreds of years. Recent studies conducted in Thailand are explicable of the inbred engravers who could design temples and other places of worship by strictly following the ancient model. This paper is an attempt to make an overall assessment on the social, religious, cultural ideologies of Thailand, giving special attention to its art and architecture.

When attempting a discussion about Thailand temple architecture, it can be seen that Buddhist temples have a higher place in the Thai temple architecture. It is either small or big in size and follows a common architectural structure. Wat is the common form of temple found in Thailand, which has two encircling walls that separate the holy place from the material world. Monk’s dormitories and a bell tower are located in between these walls.

Some of the temples in Thailand are especially notable for their intricate but beautiful structure. These temples have prominent roles in forming the culture and architecture of Thailand. These artistically important religious buildings in Thailand are “the Phra Chedi, the Bot, the Vihara, the Phra Prang, the Mondop and the Prasat.” 1

The larger temples of Thailand provide facilities for meditation with the inner wall decorated by using Buddha’s image. This portion of temple is called as ‘buddhavasa’ or ‘phutthawat’.

Their prayer room is called ‘abosoth’ or ‘bot’, which is enclosed by eight stone tablets. These stone tablets are laid on consecrated land which is located inside this inner wall. Abosoth is the most important holy place in the temple. Only monks have the permission to enter this portion of the temple. Different facilities in the abosoth include a Buddha image, an assembly hall called ‘viharn’ and a bell shaped inner courtyard, which has relics of pious. There is a wide area; sala kan parian, around this temple from where the afternoon prayer are conducted.

Commonly the ‘Ubosoth’ is in rectangular shape and at the end of this area a large gold covered Buddaha image, made up of stucco or cast in bronze in a sitting posture on a high pedestal is found. This pedestal is richly ornamented and the image placed on it represents the agitation of material life and quietness of enlightened person.

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The construction method of this temple is so dexterous that it transmits limited light to the interior and the dark paintings on the wall gives a shining effect to the Buddha image. It causes a feeling like mysticism to this interior area. 2

The roof of the Bot is more complex than a common Thailand house. At the edge of each roof, a graceful finial called Chofa is fixed. The gable of the temple is decorated with wooden carved ornaments and its background construction is by using glass mosaic. In earlier period Bot was constructed by using old Ayutthaya architecture that is instead of long wooden panelled window, thin perpendicular openings were used.

Commonly Bot had one to three doors which are fitted on the front and back side and are decorated by using stucco and glass mosaics. The window and door panels are decorated by using lacquer ornaments and the wall of the interior is embellished by using mythical figures. 3

Thai architecture

In temples which are constructed in old fashion, pillars is in octagonal shape and there is no ceiling, but there is wooden ceiling in the new style. Brick is the material used for construction which is plastered and whitewashed. The roof is covered with contrast colour tiles.

Vihara is another important part of Thailand temples, which is used for keeping Buddha image. Its size varies from central Thailand to north Thailand. In Central Thailand it is smaller than Ubosoth but in North Thailand it is bigger than Ubosoth. It is surrounded by gallery walls with roof. The wall is decorated by Buddha images or paintings. The roof is commonly covered by glazed tiles. Chedi is the most respected place in a Wat. Chedi are in different sizes. According to the description in INM Asia Guides “A Chedi (a different term would be stupa or pagoda) is a domed edifice, often quite tall, under which relics of the Buddha or revered religious teachers are buried.” 4

Prang is a latest form of Thai Stupa. It is a squre shaped structure with domed roof. It has an entrance door. Here also a Buddha image placed. Around the 17th century their architectural style changed. It causes the degeneration of Chedi and Prang.

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Mondop is in a three dimensional architecture with square shaped base with pyramidal superstructure. It is made up of bricks. Pillars around the bricks are constructed in wooden superstructure. In recent construction style the Mondop and pillars are decorated by using wooden carving and glass mosaic. Mondop is used to store holy objects, books, and objects for religious ceremonies.

Prasat is a holy place with domed edges. There are four porch-like antechambers connected to its sides. These antechambers had two different elements. One is developed by the mass of the wall and other is by the portal and these are of different heights which creates a step like shape. Prasat is shaped with a square inner area which has four wings of same length. Prasat has two timber superstructures. One is its finial of the roof and another is same as mondop. Prasat is used for two purposes. It acts as a royal throne hall and also for keeping venerated objects. Some other portions are the “Kuti, Ho Trai, Sala Kan Parien, ordinary Salas and the Ho Rakhang.” 5

Ho Trai is library and it does not follow a common structure. Sala Kan Parien is a common room. Sala is an open area for resting.

Thailand has a rich and unique tradition of arts and architecture. Every Thai province has its own agencies named art councils. Art and architecture of Thailand represent the national characteristics like culture, religion, social and ideological beliefs The art and design in Thailand also reveal these features. These provincial art Councils have organized various programs as per the suggestions and instructions of the National Cultural Commission.

When analyzing the art and architecture of Thailand, one can see that most of these have a strong influence of Buddhism. Ancient Thai art and design were closely associated with Sangha community. Buddhist temples and other buildings reveal Buddhist ideologies and principles. In his book named Sri Lanka and South East Asia, W M. Sirisena gives valuable information about the cultural and social influence of Art and architecture of Thailand. He says “After the migration of the Thais, Thailand became an important centre of Theravada Buddhism and innumerable monuments were built which still show the glory of the past.” 6

Sri Lanka and South-East Asia: political, religious and cultural relations from A.D. c. 1000 to c. 1500By W. M. Sirisena Published by Brill Archive, 1978. Two distinctive parts inner side and outer side reveal the difference between the mortality of material world and the immortality of spiritual world. The large halls in Thai temples give information about the rich tradition of meditation. Emerging from a world of ignorance to the world of light or knowledge is the key doctrine of Buddhist followers. The northern part of Thailand has acquired a great popularity in its art and designs. The statues and paintings have been portrayed in a simple manner.

All of them reveal village scenes, which explore ancient events and stories. Paintings and carvings of Thailand are presented in a distinctive style and using effective colour combination. Most of these represent the ancient life of Lanna community. Thailand people are exceptionally gifted in their ability to create woodcarvings. The large and small pieces of wood have carvings with three-dimensional features. The given figure of the woodcraft reveals the rich antiquity of Thai religion and culture. 7Baan Thawai craft Village in Thailand has earned a wide popularity in woodcarvings.

Thai architecture

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Architecture in Thailand is an example of the magnificent Thai art and design. A number of temples and other religious institutions are situated in Thailand. Ancient Buddhist temples showcase the rich religious beliefs of the people in who lived in ancient Thailand. The engraved features in wood and stone in these temples provide the significant information about the life history of Buddha. The sides of the walls in these temples are decorated with the carved figures, which include events of Buddha’s early life. Chiang Mai region in Thailand is noted for Thai architecture and stone carvings. 8

The entrance of Thai temples are guarded by the mythical snake like creatures and these temples has a structured roof with distinctive lips. The steep and plastered roof of Thai temple explores the cultural and traditional identity of Thailand. The given figure 9is an example of diversity in Thai architecture. Many streets in Chiang Mai region are filled with pyramid shaped roofs. The design of these traditional buildings is simple, effective and has an superb finish.

Thai architecture

After a deep analysis of Thai art and architecture one can see that Thai architecture is a blend of Indian, SriLankan and Kampuchean styles. 10With the foreign influence the genius of Thai architects had marked an architectural aestheticm and developed the language of extreme beauty.

Thailand’s unique architectural legacy is closely linked with temples and wat complexes. For a tourist it will not take a long to spot the place. The art work of the Thailand and the most impressive architectural forms like magnificently built temple buildings, towering pagodas and the woodwork represent the national characteristics and religious glorification. Architecture in Thailand has a rich background from the earliest Lavo forms in Lodpuri to the subsequent distinct Khmer influence.

Khmer influence is in the form of Phrangs (gerkin shaped agodas).. However, in the north it is seen that a predate Lanna and Sukhothai type of Architecture is preserved. The following statement gives a clear cut idea about the art and architecture traditions of Laana community. It says” Lanna is completely different from other provinces of Thailand in arts style and culture.” 11From the sandstone, carved structures of Buddha and others were gradually replaced by with brickwork. However, the shapes and appearances were not radically changed. An example is what we have seen in Chiang Mai to the more modern gaudy temples of Bangkok.

It is remarkable that the temples, which have preserved the most important frame of the Thai culture, Wood and stone carvings of Thai temples and devotional places were rich sources of Thai religion and culture. However, the simple wooden houses in which most of the people lived perished after a few decades.

The art and architecture forms often follow the political and ethnic patterns of the nation. These art and architecture explore the cultural and historical backgrounds of Thailand over the last 1500 years. The sculpture in Thai temples is the demonstration of traditional dance, music and custom. Through the influence of Buddhism, people who lived in Thailand developed a harmonious, cooperative and non-aggressive society.

One can see the rich tradition of culture and ideology in Thai arts and architecture. The sculptures and paintings of Thai temples and historical monuments exhibit numerous morale and customs. Buddhist sculpture reveals the nobility of prayer and it also shows some social practices. Buddhist sculptures express the harmonious and hierarchical structure of ancient community in Thailand. The Grand Palace in Bangkok city has emerged as an icon of Thailand tradition and culture. Strict religious beliefs, multi- layered culture of the society, effective organization of social groups and effective administration promote a unique culture in Thailand.

When reaching the conclusion, one can infer that the Thai art and architecture have influenced much the development of Thai culture and social life. Architecture and art of Thailand have played a prominent role in bringing Thailand to the world. Most of the Thai temples were Buddhist temples that maintained its features all through the ages. Different types of architecture exist in Thailand and the people of Thailand are very strict in keeping the antiquity in all the creations.

The people of Thailand are religious and most of them are followers of Buddhism. When analyzing the cultural life of Thai people, one can see that the people of Thailand are mild people who wish to keep away from violence and extremism. Foreign culture has also influenced Thailand in many fields. Now one can regard Thailand as a nation that can imprint its own cultural features and maintain its position as a separate entity.

Bibliography

Beek, Steve Van., Tettoni, Luca Invernizzi., and Invernizzi, Luca. 1999. The arts of Thailand. Tuttle Publishing. Web.

Lanna arts & culture. 2007. Thai Celadon: The finest high-fired stoneware. Web.

Sirisena, W. M. 1978. Sri Lanka and South-East Asia: Political, religious and cultural relations from A.D. c. 1000 to c. 1500. Brill Archive. Web.

Thailand temple architecture: Wat. Web.

Thailand travel guide: Glossary of Thai temple terms: Bot. 2008. INM Asia Guides. Web.

Thailand travel guide: Glossary of Thai temple terms: Chedi. 2008. INM Asia Guides. Web.

Thai art, architecture music and dance: Thai art. 2009. One Stop Chiang Mai. Web.

Footnotes

  1. Thailand temple architecture: Wat.
  2. Thailand temple architecture: Wat.
  3. Thailand travel guide: Glossary of Thai temple terms: Bot. 2008. INM Asia Guides.
  4. Thailand travel guide: Glossary of Thai temple terms: Chedi. 2008. INM Asia Guides.
  5. Thailand temple architecture: Wat.
  6. Sirisena, W. M. 1978. Sri Lanka and South-East Asia: Political, religious and cultural relations from A.D. c. 1000 to c. 1500. Brill Archive. P.116.
  7. Thai art, architecture music and dance: Thai art. 2009. One Stop Chiang Mai.
  8. Beek, Steve Van., Tettoni, Luca Invernizzi., and Invernizzi, Luca. 1999. The arts of Thailand. Tuttle Publishing. P.15.
  9. Thai art, architecture music and dance: Thai art. 2009. One Stop Chiang Mai.
  10. Beek, Steve Van., Tettoni, Luca Invernizzi., and Invernizzi, Luca. 1999. The arts of Thailand. Tuttle Publishing. P.11.
  11. Lanna arts & culture. 2007. Thai Celadon: The finest high-fired stoneware.
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