King Rama III-Period Murals and their Chinese Home Decoration Theme

Abstract

The reigns of King Rama II and King Rama III are considered the height of Chinese artistic influence in Thai Buddhist art. Painting is an evident example; different Chinese culture-related mural themes were painted in many temples during this time. One of those themes portrays various arrangements of Chinese furniture and decorative articles. These are often assumed to display Chinese altar arrangements, but their elements and artistic styles show that these paintings portray various Chinese home decoration styles. There are two social factors probably causing this theme to be popular in this period: the Siamese elites’ attraction to realism and liberation from old convention; and their perception of China as the most powerful country.