The Art Patterns, Values and Significance of the Long Pulpit at Choeng Tha Temple Leading to the Conservation of Ayutthaya-Period Kriab Glass

Abstract

The purposes of this study were 1) to study the art patterns, values, and significance of the long pulpit, also known as Sangked, an artwork of the late Ayutthaya period, at Choeng Tha Temple in Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya province leading to the conservation of Ayutthaya-period Kriab glass via general references, primary and secondary documents, as well as field studies, 2) to compare Kriab glass decorated on the long pulpit at Choeng Tha Temple with the newly invented one, and 3) to study the methods for conserving Ayutthaya-period Kriab glass in Thai artworks.

The results revealed that the long pulpit at Choeng Tha Temple was decorated with multicolored splinters of Kriab glass such as jewel beetle-like green, jade green, amber, and white. The green and white glass was re-invented using traditional process that has been passed down from the researcher’s ancestors. When comparing the newly invented Kriab glass to the original one on the long pulpit at Choeng Tha Temple in Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya province, it was found that they were compatible in both texture and color, which can be further developed into the restoration of artworks with Ayutthaya-period Kriab glass. This research also examined the art patterns in conjunction with the traditional Kriab glass making process, emphasizing the accuracy of age evidence which could be a useful guideline for sustainable conservation in the future.