Draft:Evaluation of Thai painting

Evaluation of Thai painting

Thai paintings, recognized as Fine Arts, serve as significant reflections of Thailand is rich cultural heritage. These artworks display Thailand's beliefs and social themes. They also showcase ancient motifs that have shaped Thai identity for centuries. King Rama VI (King Vajiravudh) praised Thai paintings as essential to Thailand's beauty. Thailand's artistic journey began with early paintings on cave walls. These works, influenced by China and India, continued to develop over time. They reached a peak of refinement during the Ayutthaya era.

History

Thailand's decorative patterns narrate tales of bygone eras, each possessing its unique style influenced by various cultural inputs. In the Dvaravati period (1100 to 1500 AD), exemplified in places like Nakhon Pathom and U Thong, intricate patterns adorned buildings, showcasing distinctive designs such as the Dharmachakra, carved in stone with softly curved lines. In contrast, Khmer patterns, spanning from 1054 to 1787 AD, extended into Thailand, particularly in the northeast and east regions, blending Indian influences to embellish brick and stone structures with high-relief carvings. These patterns, amalgamated with local aesthetics, contributed to the evolution of Thai art and architectural ornamentation.

The Srivijaya period

The Srivijaya period (18th-24th centuries AD), which thrived in the southern region, a fusion of cultural influences took center stage. Buddhism emerged as a prevailing influence, while intricate patterns like the Kranok design adorned sculptures and religious sites, enriching the cultural tapestry of the region.

Hariphunchai

Hariphunchai (Lamphun) emerged as a significant artistic center in the late Dvaravati period and early Buddhist centuries. This occurred during the 16th to 17th centuries in the Roman calendar.Employing terracotta and stucco, the art of Hariphunchai produced breathtaking decorations characterized by triangular shapes and intricate patterns, imbuing them with a distinctive charm. These patterns, influenced by Dvaravati art, showcased the evolving artistic traditions of the region.

Sukhothai

The Sukhothai period (1238 – 1438) heralded a golden age for decorative patterns in the upper central region. Sukhothai art, renowned for its intricate stucco patterns and architectural adornments, epitomized a fusion of artistic influences from Lanna, Ayutthaya, and Sukhothai.

Lanna

Northern Thailand's Lanna period, which thrived from the 14th century to the present day, developed its own distinct decorative patterns. This artistic style was influenced of the founding of Chiang Mai as the capital by King Mangrai. Lanna art is known for its one of a kind designs and patterns. Look for these on the stucco decorations that grace temples and pagodas.

Before the Ayutthaya period (19th century), Lopburi was a significant center of Dvaravati culture. The move from Dvaravati to Ayutthaya style marked a change in decorative patterns. Ayutthaya art featured simple and more subtle designs.

Ayutthaya

The Ayutthaya period (1350 – 1767) introduced a fusion of Khmer and Sukhothai artistic influences, resulting in intricate stucco patterns and architectural decorations. Ayutthaya art, characterized by its rich symbolism and luxurious designs, reflected the cultural and religious values of the time.

Rattanakosin

In the Rattanakosin period (1782-present), Bangkok became the new capital, ushering in a new era of artistic expression. Rattanakosin buildings, like royal palaces and temples, are known for their beautiful stucco decorations and intricate designs.These patterns, influenced by both traditional Thai craftsmanship and Western styles, reflected the changing cultural landscape of Thailand.

Even today, Thai patterns like the beautiful Kranok design are everywhere. Artists keep the tradition alive, drawing inspiration from the past but adding their own modern touches. This creates a dynamic and colorful art scene that reflects Thailand's long history.

Key Characteristics

Thai temple paintings are renowned for their grandeur, often adorning the walls of temples from shoulder height to the ceiling, creating an immersive visual experience for visitors. These murals serve as vibrant canvases, depicting a rich tapestry of stories, legends, and scenes from Thai folklore and history. Through intricate brushwork and vivid colors, each panel tells a tale, inviting worshippers and tourists alike to immerse themselves in the cultural and spiritual heritage of Thailand. From epic battles to serene landscapes, these murals capture the essence of Thai culture and serve as enduring testaments to the country's artistic legacy.

Stories Shown on the Murals

Along the sides of the ceremonial hall, you will often find stories from the Buddha's life or the Ramakien. Closest to the Buddha image, you might see the Assault of Mara, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.  Behind the Buddha, there are usually depictions of the Buddhist cosmos, including heaven and hell.

Perspective in Art

These paintings do not use perspective or shadows like Western art. Instead, you view the scene from above, as if looking down. In temples with windows, the scenes may change on either side of the window. In those without windows, lines or rows of trees separate different scenes.

Size of the Objects in the Painting

The size of figures in the painting reflects their importance. The more important a character, the larger they appear. Distance is shown through overlapping elements. Thai paintings are not frozen moments but evoke traditional Thai dance, making emotions and roles clear.

How Lines and Colors are Used in Thai Art

Artists employ a meticulous process to achieve smooth lines in their artwork, utilizing stencils and chalk to outline figures with precision. Once outlined, these figures are filled with vibrant, flat colors, often elevated with the luxurious touch of gold leaf embellishments. To further accentuate their presence, intricate red outlines are meticulously added, adding depth and character to the composition. Meanwhile, backgrounds, while present, remain simplistic, serving as a complementary backdrop rather than a focal point, allowing the narrative of the artwork to take center stage.

Pattern

The prototype of the Thai decorative pattern finds its roots in ancient Indian art, disseminating across Southeast Asia over a millennium ago. This dissemination occurred through the evolution of various lands, including what is now Thailand, which emerged as a pivotal center for Buddhism. Enduring under the patronage of royal courts, this artistic tradition has persisted to the present day, manifesting in both religious and courtly contexts. As a result, decorative patterns have become intertwined with both Buddhism and royal court culture, evolving over time to reflect the changing tastes and influences of each region and historical period. Furthermore, the development of decorative patterns across these lands has fostered mutual inspiration and interconnectedness, particularly evident in Thai architecture.

Thai patterns in artistic works are divided into 3 types:

1. Thai patterns in artistic works

2. Thai patterns in sculpture

3. Thai patterns in architectural works are divided into 11 types: Lines, Colored pattern, Stencil, Lanna(ล้านนา) pattern, Pearl pattern, Carved island pattern, Stucco pattern, Stone engravings, Budul pattern, Metal casting pattern, Glazed tile pattern

Thai architectural patterns encompass both 2D and 3D designs, with 2D patterns typically manifesting as paintings, drawings, and various decorative motifs. These may include wooden stencils, glass decorations, gold stencils, as well as patterns adorning walls and pillars. Meanwhile, 3D patterns involve the design and creation of decorative elements such as low-relief, high-relief, or floating structures within architecture. These intricate patterns showcase the enduring artistic legacy of the Thai people, passed down through generations and reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Thailand.

Thai patterns can be divided into 4 learning categories.

1. Category kanok(หมวดกนก) or Kranok is the basis of various patterns. Starting with the three Kranok, Kanok Plaew, Sheath, and Kankhod.

2. The Naree(หมวดนารี) category is a drawing of a person in the pose of a monk.

3. The Krabi(หมวดกระบี) category is the writing of various types of humans, including humans, snakes, and monkeys.

4. The Kacha(หมวดคชะ) category is drawing pictures of various animals to show illustrations of the story. Thai style Can be divided into 6 things 1. Evolving from the appearance of a lotus 2. Evolving from a flame 3. Development from leaves 4. Development from flowers 5. Development from vegetable leaves 6. Development from vines and creepers 7. Development from animals 8. Development from human characteristics 9. Development from foreign patterns

Development of Thai pattern - Kranak pattern By era From the beginning to the present

Indeed, the prototype of Thai decorative patterns traces back to ancient Indian art, diffusing across Southeast Asia over a millennium ago. This cultural exchange occurred through the development of various lands, including present-day Thailand, which emerged as a significant hub of Buddhism. Over time, under the patronage of royal courts, artistic expression flourished, intertwining with both Buddhist and courtly traditions. Consequently, decorative patterns evolved, reflecting the preferences of local territories and shifting eras. Moreover, the interconnectedness of these lands fostered mutual inspiration, as decorative patterns developed in tandem, influenced by contact and exchange between cultures.

Indian art patterns, Pala style, at the National Museum, Bangkok

Characteristics before getting a name And when it was called "Thai pattern"

Any originality is anything that has existed before. As for the mechanic's work, it is the same. The technician has brought it as an inspiration. Improve with imagination The purpose of use or decoration is as a guideline for designing decorations. which the decorative pattern In religious culture, it is for good fortune according to religious beliefs. It is also accompanied by a pattern of rules. which if decorated in an important position Patterns are also clearly important. The area of decorative pattern therefore plays an important role, namely, it is the condition used to design the appropriate decorative pattern. All new decorative patterns arise from these conditions.

Whichever land receives various inspirations, it can be adjusted according to the suitability of the conditions and needs. and their local popularity, such as the decorative patterns of the Dvaravati period in the early period, were inspired by craftsmanship. in religious culture from India Although it looks close to the prototype. But it was noticed that it had strange characteristics from the prototype. That strange appearance Later, it eventually developed into a unique model in Dvaravati art. and when passing through different eras which has a process The path of development continues. It has become the Thai pattern that we are familiar with today.

Famous artist

Chalermchai

Chalermchai, a renowned artist in his sixties, has played a vital role in fostering creativity in his northern hometown. He gained recognition early in his career, winning national acclaim in 1980. Concerned about preserving Thai artistic traditions, he founded the "Silpa Thai Group" to promote indigenous art. His murals on a Thai temple in London earned international praise, elevating the value of his work. Notably, his painting "Spirit to the Nirvana (จิตมุ่งสู่การหลุดพ้น)" set a record at a Bangkok auction. Commissioned by the Thai monarch, he holds deep admiration for the king. Chalermchai's contributions have earned him numerous awards and honorary doctorates, solidifying his status as a key figure in Thai art.

Thawan Duchanee

Thawan Duchanee, born in 1939 in Chiang Rai, northern Thailand, rose to fame as a renowned modern artist whose unique style redefined Buddhism in art. Gifted in drawing from a young age, he earned a scholarship to an art school in Bangkok due to his exceptional talent. Despite facing criticism, Thawan persevered, developing a distinctive style that blended eastern and western influences. His artworks gained international acclaim and are exhibited in museums worldwide. Among his notable achievements was the invitation to paint the walls of a castle in Germany, where he created a special piece atop the castle's highest tower, earning the admiration of the castle's owner and a place in the family collection. Thawan's art continues to captivate audiences with its innovative portrayal of Buddhism in the modern era.