Balustrade with Naga and Makara in Lanna art 21st - 22nd Buddhist Century

Abstract

            Naga balustrades in the Lanna style of art appeared clearly in the 21^st - 22^nd Buddhist century during the golden age of the Lanna Kingdom. Before those times, there was no evidence that the Naga was used to build as a railing. Therefore, it may be assumed that this is an art form that was inspired by other kingdoms such as Sukhothai and Ayutthaya. Until becoming a specific style during the golden age of the Lanna Kingdom, and continued to the present with more diverse forms.

            Lanna Naga balustrades in the 21^st - 22^nd Buddhist century which appeared until nowsday, its function is significantly to be use for balustrades of the stairs heading to Main Stupa on each four directions, mostly made in the form of five - headed Naga wearing crown with big one to six Stripe Patterns such as Lanna floral motif, Curved Patterns and Lanna Kranok patterns, which are popular forms in those time. Studying from those patterns, according to the number of evidence, such as inscriptions in the 21^st - 22^nd Buddhist century, shows the relation of fine arts of all the remaining Lanna Naga balustrades in Wat Chedi Luang temple, Wat Suan Dok temple, and Wat Umong temple.