Meaning and Virtual Artistic Beauty of Thai Lacquer Painting of Traibhumi Literature on Tripitaka Cabinets in Chao Sam Phraya National Museum

Abstract

This article aims to study the status, meaning, and virtual artistic beauty of Thai lacquer painting of Traibhumi literature on Tripitaka cabinet in Chao Sam Phraya National Museum. This documentary research is conducted through various sources of document such as Traibhumi literature, drawing collection of Traibhumi, photos, etc. The painting is examined comparing with the content in the literature and related artworks. Virtual art theory is used for analyzing painting beauty.

The findings show that the examined painting is on the door panels of the cabinet, and some parts of the painting are faded. The picture and its composition are related to the story of the Traibhumi literature, but only significant details about Buddhist cosmos which is fit the space are founded in the picture.

In terms of artistic beauty of the painting, the dominance is at its composition relying on principle of balance both symmetric and dissymmetric styles. The picture of Sumeru Mountain is at the center surrounded by other elements highlighting the meaning of being the center of the universe.