Study of Mural Paintings in the Chapel Wat Samuha Pradittharam Sao Hai district Saraburi Province

Abstract

This study examines the mural paintings in the ordination hall (ubosot) of Wat Samuhapradittaram, Sao Hai District, Saraburi Province. The research objectives were to analyze the mural paintings of Wat Samuhapradittaram in terms of narratives, beliefs, image composition, positioning of images, and contemporary phenomena depicted in the paintings, and to provide data for the conservation and dissemination of information about the mural paintings at Wat Samuhapradittaram.

   The research findings reveal that the ordination hall of Wat Samuhapradittaram is a brick and mortar structure with evidence indicating its construction during the reign of King Nangklao (Rama III). The artist employed traditional Thai painting techniques combined with Chinese aesthetic influences in certain portions of the work. The narratives depicted include the literary works Luang Wichai Khawi and Samuttakhot, presented in a format that deviates from conventional traditions previously transmitted.

1. Narratives and Beliefs in the Paintings: The mural paintings found within the ordination hall of Wat Samuhapradittaram depict two literary works: Luang Wichai Khawi and Samuttakhot. This differs from typical mural paintings that commonly portray the Buddha's biography. The paintings convey beliefs about karmic retribution through images of Phra Malai visiting hell beings, beliefs concerning supernatural elements from the traditions of floating krathong to ward off spirits and rocket festivals for rain-making ceremonies.


2. Image Composition and Positioning: The mural paintings in the ordination hall of Wat Samuhapradittaram are arranged as follows: the wall behind the principal Buddha image depicts entertainment, the lifestyle of Thai Yuan people, and Phra Malai blessing hell beings; the opposite wall shows rocket festival traditions and krathong processions to ward off spirits; the right wall depicts the literary work Luang Wichai Khawi; the left wall illustrates the literary work Samuttakhot; the four corners feature decorative patterns of rice offering bouquets and kan yaeng stems.


3. Contemporary Phenomena in Mural Paintings: The mural paintings in the ordination hall of Wat Samuhapradittaram clearly demonstrate the contemporary lifestyle of local people integrated with Chinese culture. Beyond the main literary narratives, the artist incorporated contemporary stories as secondary or subsidiary elements, including traditions, lifestyles, culture, beliefs, clothing styles, Chinese-style buildings, junks, and Western gunboats. Western influence is evident in the landscape painting technique with foreground and background perspective, pioneered in Thailand by the artist Khrua In Khong.