Experimental Buddhist Art Based on King Rama V’s Initiatives

Abstract

Over the 40 years of King Chulalongkorn’s reign, it was a time of momentous change in art in Siam. The long-established traditions of Buddhist art were adapted to the realism and artistic influence from the West. Since the beginning of the reign of King Rama V, there had been a continuation of art from the previous reign, yet there was great exposure to the influences from outside as well. This resulted in the introduction of experimental techniques, which were integrated and applied to Siamese Buddhist art. The most crucial factor contributing to this great diversity and movement in art is King Rama V. He was the one who pushed that Buddhist art be created according to his royal initiatives and accepted the ways of art from outside in terms of ideas and forms from both Thai and foreign artisans.

However, in the midst of this drastic change it also appears that the concept of conservation of ancient Siamese artworks has also arisen in parallel. This can be seen from the royal projects to restore the temples as well as the construction of new temples that demonstrated the application of Thai traditional architecture to meet the changing eras. The main reasons were the rise of recognition and awareness of the history of Siam that had increased among the elites and their attitude towards Buddhist art as a symbol or representative of a national civilization that must be preserved.