The Study of Mon-Burmese Stupa Architectural Style in Phrae Province

Abstract

Abstract

This research aims to investigate architectural features, adornment and inspiration of Mon and Burmese art in Phrae province. The results demonstrate the stupa in Phrae was inspired by Burmese art during Amarapura-Mandalay dated to the 20th century. The stupa found in Phrae is normally related to the situation when the Burmese joined a logging concession in Phrae. This study divided the stupa in Phrae into 2 main periods. First, the Amarapura-Mandalay period dated to the 20th century. During this time, the form of stupa can be divided into 2 groups.                  (1) The Bell-shaped stupa is usually found in Mueang Phrae district such as Chom Sawan temple, Sra Bo Kaew temple, Nasarn tample and Doinoi temple. The stupa has no Ban Lang, a square platform with railings on the top of the bell and under the spire, and the main stupa is surrounded              by many subsidiary stupas. (2) The bell-shaped stupa above a high square base is also discovered in Mueang Phrae district such as Ton Thong temple, Mai temple, ViengTa temple and Pothisoontorn temple in Long district. These stupas are characterized by Ruen That, a rectangular body of the main shrine, which a small niche (Charanam) is extended in front of Ruen That. On the top of the stupa is similar to Burmese bell-shaped stupa with no Ban Lang and fully decorated with stucco in Lanna and Western style. Second, Mon-Burmese and local art in Amarapura-Mandalay   are dated to the 21st century until now. These types of stupa are mainly discovered in Long and Wang-Chin district. However, the Bell-shaped stupa and the bell-shaped stupa above a high square shows the mixture between Phrae local workmanship and Rattanakosin art.