The Development of Motifs in Northeastern Thai Ordination Halls in Thailand before 1940

Abstract

The decorative patterns in Isan ordination halls before 1940 in Thailand can be categorized into three groups. The first group is decorated in accordance with the culture of the late Ayutthaya period. This group is especially seen in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, where its ordination halls are generally decorated as Pum Chor Hang To or ‘lion tail’ motifs combined with Narayana on Garuda and Erawan riding Indhra patterns. The second group is a contemporary pattern influenced from the former Lan Xang culture of Laos, normally seen along the Mekong River. Its highlight is a drooping Phaeng Sarai with gardenia-motif carving. The third group comes from Vietnamese handiwork focusing on auspicious patterns, e.g. leaves and flowers, bats, tigers, Prajam Yam and others, which are believed to bring about prosperity and longevity to sightseers. Apexes of ordination halls in this group are also decorated as dragon motifs representing the Lord Buddha, the leader and founder of Buddhism.

                   Results acquired from analysis of Isan-historical evidence indicated that factors effecting Isan ordination halls on pattern creation, prototype origins, development and sequels are consistent with sequences of historical periods, i.e. Ayutthaya, former Lan Xang of Laos, and Rattanakosin, respectively. The study also shows Isan historical art in the former time in terms of handicraft succession, which may later lead to guidelines for conserving and developing our country’s artistic traditions.