Decode the Prototype Image of Lanna Pattern Printing Decorated on the Main Pillar’s Midsection of the Lampang School Vihara

Abstract

This academic article aims to study the techniques of decorating the pillarís midsection of the Lampang School Vihara, as well as the process of designing and creating original pattern printings having distinct characteristics and clear developmental progress. This study focuses on four significant archaeological sites where this set of decorative patterns appears in the province of Lampang namely: the Buddha Vihara of Wat Phra That Lampang Luang in Ko Kha district; the   Chammadevi Vihara, Wat Pong Yang Kok in Hang Chat District; the Khom Kam Vihara, Wat Phra That Sadet and the Maim Vihara of Wat Ka Tuek, Chiang Man Muang District.

The study found that these groups of decorative patterns maintained significant common characteristics namely: It consists of parallel curved lines with arranged bead-like motifs inside. The curved lines intersect each other, forming a rhythmic pattern with alternating florets. Each floret points upward and downward alternately. At the intersection points of the pattern, there are interlocking florets arranged horizontally, with the base of one floret facing towards the other. One end of the floret points left, while the other points right. There are also vertical intersection points of the florets, which serve as connecting parts of the pattern. These intersection points provide insights into the characteristics of the designed original patterns.

In detail, there are inserted motifs resembling leaf buds emerging from the sides of the parallel curved lines and extending at the ends of the florets. This described pattern is a significant and distinctive characteristic. Initially, the decoration started at the main pillars of the the Buudha Vihara, 21^st Buddhist Century. Subsequently, the pattern evolved significantly and became more complex, appearing at the Chammadevi Vihara, Wat Pong Yang Kok, where in the pattern features interlocking curved lines that can connect seamlessly. In 2366 B.E., the Khom Kam Vihara, Wat Phra That Sadet has been reproduced the decorative pattern from the Buddha Vihara to create a new pair of columns in front of the main Buddha image in this Vihara. This above pattern also appeared on two pairs of main pillars at the Ka Tuek Chiang Man Vihara in 2375 B.E. It having adhered to the original structural framework, but has been mostly significantly influenced by Rattanakosin Arts.

It indicates that this special pattern of decorating the pillarís midsection has been present since the 21^st Buddhist century continued into the 23^rd Buddhist century, with increasingly intricate patterns. Subsequently, the influence of Rattanakosin Arts having emerged during the 24-25^th Buddhist centuries, caused to change the decorative patterns according to those periods. However, this special pattern still retained its structural framework and its core format. A specially, these particular patterns are not found in the other areas. It, therefore, clearly indicates as a unique pattern appeared in the Lampang School Craftsmen.