Rice: Economic Cultures During the Bowring Treaty that Affected the Arts at Pathumwanaram and Welurachin Temple

Abstract

This Iconography academic article was intended to explain the influence of rice, economic cultures after the signing of the Bowring Treaty that affected the moment of artwork at Pathumwanaram temple and Welurachin Temple. the artwork related to the rice, farmer and agriculture at Pathumwanaram temple consists of (1) patterns that representing a rice fields and the farmer's daily life on the door and window of the Phra Ubosot (2) King Rama IV move Phra Sai to be enshrined at the Phra Ubosot and literary work (legend of Phar Sai) by the King explains that this image of Buddha has the power that can cause the rain (3) Set up a stone toad sculpture, the symbol of Phaya Kan Khak at outside behind the Phra Ubosot, which Lao’s farmers believe this sculpture can cause the rain. As for Welurachin temple, the pediment’s pattern was invented to depict two Nagas vying for the coin of Tae Meng Thong Por, which adapted from the image of two dragons vying for fire pearl to convey the occurrence of the rain, corresponds to the insignia of Chao Phraya Polthep (Naga) and coins for spend instead of Pod Duang’s money (the ancient Siam round coin money shaped like a grub).