CREATION OF CONTEMPORARY POLLEN BUDDHA IMAGES

Abstract

The purpose of the creation is to study the art styles and analyze the symbolic meanings, relating to Buddhism, to be found in the forms and other components of the Pollen Buddha images in Burmese art in Lanna, by using Art Creative research. It was found that pollen Buddha images of Burmese Art located in Lanna had the characteristics of the elaborately decorated Buddha images clad in royal attire from the Mandalay and Tai Yai schools.  The images were made from various kinds of natural materials, such as fragrant clay, wood of auspicious trees, flower pollens, and crushed dried-flower powder mixed with the sap of the Rak tree. In terms of art styles,they could be conisdered a type of laquerware art, whilst the pattern and components reflected Theravada Buddhism, representing Samanakhodom - the present Lord Buddha, the concept of the 32 attributes of the Lord Buddha, the Buddha image representing the Great Compassion or Phaya Chomphubodi, and the symbols based on the beliefs or the traditions of making a Buddha image from flower pollens.  The researcher applied the knowledge synthesized in the study to be an inspiration for making a Buddha images of Lanna Buddhist art in the Subduing Mara posture from the pollen of flowers the Buddhist devotees brought to pay respect to the Buddha images. The art of lacquer ware making was employed to link the past wisdom of Buddhist art with the contemporary visual art creation.  This reflects the value and significance of the local wisdom which forms the core of Lanna culture.