Nepali Times introduces history of Thailand through Buddhist architecture in an eight-part series.
The Architecture of the U Thong Style (12th-15th centuries AD) is brilliant Art in the Fog
The U Thong art flourished in central Thailand during the 12th to 15th centuries. It is still arguable where is exactly the centre of U Thong art especially the place of the Buddha images were created.
That is why historical evidence of the early period when U Thong art was beginning to prosper is still obscure. The distinguished style of U Thong art was mainly represented by Buddhist sculpture generally known as the U Thong Buddha images.
Generally speaking, the U Thong Buddha images are mostly seated and always in the attitude of subduing Mara or calling the Earth to witness.
The hair, treated in small curls, is outlined by a narrow band across the forehead. The drapery leaves the right shoulder exposed and has a long rectangular flap, cut strait at the end, across the left shoulder, the undergarment is indicated by a slight projection at the waist, to which a flat belt is sometime added. These images are usually bronze but very rarely stone or wood.
It is unfortunate that the architectural style of the U Thong period is rather obscure as only few buildings can be attributed to nowadays.
However, there is an example of the U Thong structure as Wat Phra Mahathat in Chai Nat, central Thailand. This monument displays a mingling of Sukhothai and Srivijayan styles.
The former is represented by a bell-shaped stupa while the latter by superimposed redented square bases with four porches and particularly a series of stupikas, small chedis, used as decorative elements around the stupa.
Also as another good example is Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat in Lop Buri, centtral Thailand. This structure, dated to the late 13th century, was built of laterite and decorated with stucco designs. It is believe that the monument shows some influence of the Khmer art or the local tradition which had prevailed before this period, but with many more redents at the angles as well as a much higher base.
Besides, the stucco motifs also manifest regional workmanship. This outstanding characteristic would play an important role in the decoration of the Early Ayutthaya Period prangs. Accordingly, the main prang at Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat is regarded as the prototype of the Thai prangs erected during the Early Ayutthaya Period.
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