Painting Thai Fine

Painting Thai Fine

Bangkok National Museum – Within the Majestic Walls of a Palace

The building complex of the National Museum in Bangkok, which was formerly a palace, depicts the true traditions of Thai architecture. The history of the Asian nation unfolds in several pavilions, which contain priceless artifacts, murals and scrolls. In the year 1874 King Rama V, paved the way for the opening of this museum.

A visitor usually commences the tour of the Museum from the History Gallery that displays Thai history from the 7th to 8th century. Further strengthening the existence of pre historic culture within the boundaries of Thailand, many cave paintings, bronzes and ceramics used between 3700 BC to 300 AD fill the next hall known as the ‘Prehistory Gallery'.

Even in the olden days, the leading religion in Thailand had been Buddhism. The Buddhaisawan Chapel built in 1795 bears evidence to that. The most venerated ‘Phra Buddha Sihing' image dwells in this chapel, along with many other murals and paintings which portray different episodes in the life of the Buddha.

The transportation room displays the various modes used by the royalty of Thailand to travel from place to place. The elephant chairs, known as ‘howdahs', had been the most commonly used vehicle, while gilt edged palanquins (small carriages carried with the assistance of poles by men from the four sides) had been used for formal occasions. Meandering through the museum, one finds an entire hall devoted to the gold and jewellery owned by kings in the days of yore. The hall, or ‘sala', as it is known in Bangkok, is ornate with utensils, rings, jewels and other trinkets belonging to the royal family. A chamber believed to be used by the King's sister, made almost entirely out of teak and known as the ‘Red House', showcases how lavishly their abode was furnished.

The weaponry used in the 17th century is showcased in a separate arcade along with a huge replica of a war elephant, as they were frequently used at the war front. Some elaborately carved guns and swords are also displayed here, some of which were meant only for decorative purposes and not for war fare.

Porcelain-ware produced in China according to Thai classical designs, musical instruments, wood carvings and stone inscriptions are all housed in their separate ‘salas'. Costumes, masks and puppets that were used for conventional dance and drama are on display in the Theatre Arts room. The ivory carvings are particularly noteworthy as it even includes a ‘howdah'. Musical instruments and trays used for religious offerings made of mother of pearl in the 19h century are also eye-catching.

This historical adventure is best undertaken while based in one of the numerous Bangkok serviced apartments which grace centralized positions of the city. The Ascott Sathorn Bankgkok is one of those strategically placed luxury serviced apartments Bangkok, offering a fine complement to the quintessential Thai experience.

About the Author

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.