THAI-CHINESE SYMBOLS: SYNTHESIZING BELIEFS IN FINE ARTS DURING THE REIGN OF KING RAMA III TO THE CREATION OF PRINTS “AUSPICIOUS” SERIES

Abstract

The objectives of this research were: (1) to study the beliefs and symbols in the art works of the King Rama III era; (2) to synthesize the beliefs of symbols that appear in the art works of the King Rama III era; and (3) to create a series of “Auspicious” prints that show Thai-Chinese symbols. The researcher has studied documents and field data on works of art during the reign of King Rama III in 7 temples. The researcher created an evaluation of a draft of prints inspired by Thai-Chinese symbols found in the art works of King Rama III for 9 art experts to evaluate and give suggestions. The data were analyzed with description. The  findings showed that 1) beliefs influence the way people live their lives and determine the behavior of people in society. Overall, beliefs can be told through symbolic media appearing in works of art. It is often a matter that aims to lead a smooth life, be happy, have a long life, have good fortune, have your wishes fulfilled, have success, love and wealth, and be free from bad things; 2) from the survey, it was found that symbols that represent good fortune are used and developed from an abstract form into a concrete symbolic form through painting, sculpture and architecture which can be divided into 5 categories: 1) auspicious animals, 2) various plants, 3) objects, 4) gods or persons, and 5) characters; and 3) the creation of the “Auspicious” series of prints depicts Thai-Chinese symbols that express the long-standing belief in harmonious relations between Thailand and China. This gives a feeling of auspiciousness according to Chinese culture and has presented a contemporary style using shapes, lines, and bright colors and the arrangement of the elements shows happiness, auspiciousness, good luck, good fortune, and protection from bad things to live in peace and happiness.