The Development Design and Value Enhancement of Intellectual Property of Prefectural Buddhist Art in Phrae Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to: 1) analyze the knowledge creation processes of Buddhist arts 2) to investigate the processes of designing Buddhist arts 3) develop and add value to Buddhist artworks in Phrae province. This study applied the methods of research and development (R&D) and action research by conducting fieldwork to collect survey data on Buddhist arts in each area of Phrae province from 25 key informants. The in-depth interview and focus group discussion were employed to gather and analyze qualitative data concerning the knowledge and design processes of Buddhist arts.

The results of this research found that:

1. In terms of the processes of Buddhist art knowledge collection, the results indicated as follows. Since King Meng Rai, the Great established Chiang Mai on the western bank of the Ping and Kok rivers, Buddhist arts in Phrae province have been influenced by those of Hariphunchai, Chiang Sean, and the Sukhothai Kingdom.
2. In terms of the design processes of Phrae Buddhist arts, teak wood is the main material used in the creation of Buddhist artworks such as wooden pulpit for Buddhist monk (Tham-Mas), wooden throne for the enshrinement of Buddha images (Busabok), wooden long flag (Thoong Ka-Dang), and carved wooden Buddha statues. Sa-La, the Buddhist art producers, are local people who are skilled in woodcraft. They acquire knowledge and skills through trial and error and their experiences, resulting in the creation of unique Buddhist artworks.
3. Nowadays, the design of Buddhist artworks varies due to many factors such as technological advancements and customer demand, which are significant in making Phrae Buddhist arts more diverse.