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PAINTING


Paintings depicted subjects in two influence in the mid- 19th Century .

The usual subjects for paintings were the Jataka stories, episodes from the life of the Buddha , the Buddhist Heaven and Hell and scenes of daily life.


SUKHOTHAI PERIOD


Buddha images of the Sukhothai period are elegant, with sinuous bodies and slender, oval Face s. This style emphasised the spiritual aspect of the Buddha by omitting Anatomical details. The effect was enhanced by the common practice of Casting images in Metal rather than Carving them. This period saw the introduction of the "walking Buddha" pose. Sukhothai artists tried to follow the defining marks of a Buddha set out in ancient Pali texts:
  • Skin so smooth that dust cannot stick

  • Leg s like a deer

  • Thigh s like a banyan tree

  • Shoulder s massive as an elephant's head

  • Arm s round like an elephant's trunk, and long enough to touch the knees

  • Hand s like lotuses about to bloom

  • Fingertip s turned back like petals

  • Head like an egg

  • Hair like scorpion stingers

  • Chin like a mango stone

  • Nose like a parrot's beak

  • Earlobe s lengthened by the earrings of royalty

  • Eyelash es like a cow's

  • Eyebrow s like drawn bows


Sukhothai also produced a large quantity of Glaze d Ceramic s in the ''sangkhalok'' style, which were traded throughout South-east Asia .


AYUTTHAYA PERIOD


stone, characterised by juxtaposed rows of Buddha figures. In the middle period, Sukhothai influence dominated, with large Bronze or Brick and Stucco Buddha images and decoration of Gold Leaf in free-form designs on a Lacquer background. The late period was more elaborate, with Buddha images in royal attire set on decorative bases.


BANGKOK PERIOD


development of the Ayutthaya style rather than by further great innovation. One important element was the ''Krom Chang Sip Mu'' (Organization of the Ten Crafts), originally founded in Ayutthaya, which was responsible for improving the skills of the country's craftsmen. Paintings from the mid-19th century show the influence of Western art.


CONTEMPORARY


Contemporary Thai art often combines traditional Thai elements with Modern techniques. Notable artists include Chakrapan Posayakrit and Tawan Dachanee .

Reference: ''Flavours - Thai Contemporary Art'' by Steven Pettifor


EXTERNAL LINK

Rama IX Art Museum Virtual museum of Thai contemporary artists. Listings of museums, galleries, exhibitions and venues. Contains lots of information on Thai artists and art activities.