The Ancient Colors of Mural Paintingwan Chapel: Re-Imaging of Faith in the Bhuddhaisa

Abstract

The study of the ancient colors at the Bhuddhaisawan Chapel, one of the most complete and oldest of the Rattanakosin Period, focuses on the wisdom that portrays Buddhism with faith through mural painting. This paper aims to systematically analyze the group of ancient colors found in the mural of the Chapel and depict the value of the work created by the Thais. The study identi!es basic colors: red, green, blue and black as the primary group. The other colors found are white, orange and yellow with gold as the speci!c color used particularly on the body of the Lord Buddha and the structures of the palace. The colors used here are unique and differ from those seen in the Ayuddhaya period or those found today. The base is often featured in dark colors, accentuated by bright colors or hues and high intensity colors such as red and gold from the gold leaves. The coloration has a pattern of high intensity colors over low intensity base colors. This invokes faith, mystique feelings, corresponding with magical elements in the Buddhist stories. In addition, colors are also used as symbols in painting.