DECORATIVE ORNAMENTS OF PAINTINGS AND SCULPTURES IN CHAO PHRAYA ABHAIBHUBEJHR BUILDING

Abstract

The objective of this research is to study the pattern, development, background, technical process, and symbolic meaning of the decorative painting patterns of Chao Phraya Abhai Abhaibhubejhr building in Prachinburi. The study method was derived from the principles of European architectural decoration as well as the comparison of the decorative patterns of European architecture in Thailand, particularly on the age specification. Moreover, the understanding of the decorative system, related to the building context is also included in the research. According to the study, the decorative patterns in the Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr building were found that they closely correlate to the decorative motifs of contemporary European buildings in Thailand. It is not only the forms but also the craftsmanship methods. For instance, Praya Srithammathirat Residence, has fruits and plant patterns in decorative paintings such as grapes and grape leaves, which also appear in the first-floor hallway of the Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr building. This connection demonstrates the similarities in the interior, architecture, and painting techniques. Using the stencil technique is a model for creating patterns on painting, by stamping and also painting to make the pattern appears in the desired area.

Most of the decorative paintings of Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr's house are Victorian floral stencil patterns. On the second floor, the floral pattern above the arch of the chamber room has the Art Nouveau pattern which was created with the stencil technique. In addition, the herb's patterns also appear on the decorative sculpture of the building’s gable which Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr was particularly interested in. Lastly, it was one of the starting points that influenced the transformation of the building to become the present Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital.