The art of crafting Thai floral arrangements from Thai art in Rattanakosin Island

Abstract

Thai floral craft art appearing in Thai art is a symbol that reflects the wisdom of Thai floral craftsmanship, as evidenced by the royal temples in Rattanakosin Island. This article therefore aims to study the meanings and the arrangement patterns of crafted floral art in Thai art from the royal temples in Rattanakosin Island. Data was collected through documentary research, using content analysis and interpretation methods, along with field survey research employing observation and interviews. Information was gathered from five royal temples in Rattanakosin Island: Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha), Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan (Wat Pho), Wat Bowonniwet Vihara Rajwaramahawihan, Wat Thepthidaram Worawihan, and Wat Ratchapradit Sathitmahasimaram Rajwaramahawihan. The study found that the interpretation of artificial flowers in Thai floral art from Thai art on Rattanakosin Island appears from three perspectives: the first perspective, 1782–1824 (during the reigns of King Rama I–II), was an era of adhering to floral cultural traditions; the second perspective, 1824–1868 (during the reigns of King Rama III–IV), was an era of accepting and adapting floral culture; and the third perspective, 1868–1925 (during the reigns of King Rama V–VI), was an era of integrating and creating floral culture. The arrangement styles of artificial flowers in Thai floral art from Thai art on Rattanakosin Island appear in two forms: the first form involves following traditional rules through the use of colors that reflect Dhamma puzzles, and the second form involves leadership patronage through Thai-style floral art in public spaces. As a result, the artificial floral art appearing in Thai artworks exhibits diversity, particularly during the period when the country engaged in trade with foreigners. The culture brought by foreigners thus influenced floral art styles. Consequently, artificial floral art in Thai artworks reflects the mindset of Thai people who accepted and adapted ideas through significant historical events. Thai floral art is not merely a replication of past situations, places, and periods but also incorporates the concept of time in contemporary contexts into the works.