Thai religious art, a photo from Kanchanaburi, Central

Photographer's Note

‘Kanchanaburi - Thai religious art’

Not exactly the kind of art or monuments that appeal to the imagination of westerners.
But travelling to another country also means opening your mind to other values, other ideas and isn’t TE's motto ‘Learning about the world’.

The sculpture of the deity on a white horse tracking a golden boat near the Wat Chai Chumphon Chana Songkhram Temple in Kanchanaburi and the other sculpture in my first WS haven’t immediately become my favourites but they show what is considered beautiful in Thailand, at least in Kanchanaburi.

Since the second part of my trip in Thailand (after returning from Malaysia) was suddenly cut short (due to the rapid spread of the corona virus and the impending lockdown in Europe), I missed a lot of places I wanted to visit in Thailand. So, I don't know how representative Kanchanaburi is in the country.

It was difficult to portray the size of this work. There was no one around to compare the statue with a person. Only a runaway chicken.
Maybe the spiral staircase in the back will help.

Many thanks to Loong (foxy) who could tell me that the sculpture of my main photo belonged to the temple Wat Chai Chumphon Chana Songkhram.

pierrefonds, ricardomattos, jemaflor, Fis2, holmertz, jhm, ikeharel, jean113, ChrisJ, Royaldevon, burmaman, papagolf21, clic, PiotrF, alvaraalto, COSTANTINO, adramad, worldcitizen ha puntuado esta nota como útil.

Critiques | Translate

pierrefonds (103663) 2020-10-19 17:23

Bonsoir Paul,

La sculpture est impressionnante. La prise de de vue permet de voir les détails de la sculpture de la déesse. La lumière donne un bon rendu aux couleurs de l'image. Bonne soirée.

Pierre

ricardomattos (15086) 2020-10-19 19:12

Hi Paul,

Outra foto mostrando a arte religiosa em Kanchanaburi com muita criatividade, detalhes e cores. A escada e a galinha dão a noção de grandeza aqui. A porta lateral também. Excelente foto. O céu aí estava cooperando com você meu amigo. Belo trabalho!

Parabéns e abraço

Ricardo

Silvio1953 (205890) 2020-10-19 22:16

Ciao Paul, great view of fantastic monument, fine details, wonderful colors, excellent clarity and splendid light, very well done, my friend, ciao Silvio

ifege (32433) 2020-10-19 23:04

Hi Paul
A good photo of what you suggest isn't necessarily appealing to everyone. It is monumental and colourful but ugly.
cheers
Ian

jemaflor (135520) 2020-10-19 23:17

Salut Paul,
Couleurs vives et belles luminosité mettent en valeur cette édifice, c'est bien pris sous un bon angle, parfaite netteté, un style qui peut étonner par cette décoration originale, bien partagée.

vjmite (5094) 2020-10-20 0:03

Hi Paul,

I like the sculpture with all its gaudy color and fine details. To me it seems to be part religious monument and part children's playground. I didn't realise that riders on white horses were a theme in Thai culture. Good sharp photo with excellent light control and colors.

Vince

Fis2 (155762) 2020-10-20 0:39

Witaj Paul!
A very interesting object, view makes impression.
Excellent framing, colors and light.
Good presentation my friend.
Good morning.
Krzysztof

holmertz (92938) 2020-10-20 1:21

Hello Paul,
It's not necessary to like all artistic expressions of a foreign culture, but it is a good idea to show some respect. And there's a lot of Christian religious art, as well as almost generally Western Baroque art, that I don't like either, so maybe that makes me even with the Thai. But as a photographer I would definitely enjoy these temples for the bright colours and vivid details they provide. Certainly these photos are worth appreciating for what they show us and for being technically good.
Best regards,
Gert

Miguel82 (47108) 2020-10-20 3:15

Hallo Paul, the giant sculptures represent scenes of the Buddhist mythology. They were installed in a park. The white horse and its rider are drawing a boat in the sea. Vivid colors, good sharpness, regards.

foxy (2059) 2020-10-20 4:25

Hello Paul,
Ha! Finally you posted it :-)
What an 'eye-opening' of a modern religious monument in a tradition of Thai Culture ,the 'Land of Smiles'.
All religions have their own way of believing in God's power and creation. That's why it makes the world so interesting and colourful.
In Thailand, particularly in this place all the photos I see, all pretty new temples and stunning with the artworks. One has to admire for that.
All three photos are beautifully taken with the blue sky and amazing glowing low sunlight on both WS.
Funny enough, it's the WS1 I find interesting and more attached to it. I like the Laughing Buddha Holding Beads - represent meditation which is an essential part of monk's life and wisdom to the people. I also see an altar stand with incense offering, so it's a holy shrine of worship.
Thanks for sharing and mentioned. You're more than welcome.
Loong

jhm (203133) 2020-10-20 5:26

Goedemiddag Paul,

Deze foto heeft een hoge kwaliteitswaarde
Het onderwerp is iets anders maar gelet het uit dit deel van de wereld komt is het wel heel mooi gedaan.
Alle details zijn goed te zien zeker wanneer ik uw foto opent in 1500x940
Prachtig werk heeft u hier geleverd Paul.
Mooi gedaan, bedankt.

Groeten uit Oost-Vlaanderen,
John

mkamionka (61366) 2020-10-20 7:06

Hi Paul,
this is so beautiful! I think my daughter would love it. There is so much color and a horse or unicorn pulling the boat?
Quite an original decoration much more dynamic than the ones I have seen before. Usually they are just animals standing next to each other or something like that. Here we have some action.
This is brilliant! The weather was splendid which contributed to fantastic colors.
Excellent work,
M

lousat (130061) 2020-10-20 9:16

Hi Paul,in fact never thought to find monuments like this..ehehe..absolutely kitch and incredible,the main and the naked Buddha in the WS are a kick on my eyes. But the view of temple so colorful is still very nice. A very useful post another time,well done as usual! Have a nice evening and thanks,Luciano

ChrisJ (160138) 2020-10-20 9:35

Ciao Paul,

Thailand is worth repeated trips. Chiang Mai in the north which has similar architecture to Kanchanaburi can also be used as a gateway to Kunming in China if and when flights resume. Lopburi for the monkeys, Ayuthhaya and Sukhothai for historic ruins, Ko Samet and Ko Samui for tropical beaches lined with coconut palms, Ao Nung / Railay Bay / Phang Nga for impressive rock formations, Hua Hin for good seafood on the piers, Mae Hong Song for the long necked women & Arunyaprathet for a gateway into Cambodia for Angkor Wat. I have seen most of Thailand but not all of it. Khao Yai National Park is one spot I've yet to see. Tfs!

emka (152388) 2020-10-20 10:17

Hello Paul, You lost part of your trip after more than four months, I lost Singapore and the Philippines, after only ten days. I had all paid, so for me, it was quite a financial loss.

I have seen a lot of places in Thailand, and also in Laos and Cambodia and Myanmar, and to me, Kanchanaburi seems not representative and very kitschy and artificial. I haven't seen any similar.
As to Buddha statue from WS, there are two different representations "Buddha". One is a graceful figure with definite gestures and curly hair, the other is Bodai - The Laughing Buddha, or the Fat Buddha, was a Zen monk called Budai who lived in China around the 10th century, meaning about 1.600 years after historical Buddha. Budai was as a bold man with a big tummy, big smile, large ears, wearing a simple robe, prayer beads, and a large sack.

But the presentation is superb, sharp and colourful.
Best regards MAlgo

Royaldevon (75584) 2020-10-20 10:25

Hello Paul,

This sculpture of a deity, riding a white horse, is rather elegant! It is what we might call 'over-the-top' but as a teacher who spent quite a lot of time teaching in Infant schools, I know this would be the greatest hit ever, with the children. The bright colours, the flying horse, the temple, are all really well captured in your photograph, giving us a very honest impression of Thai art and Thai religion.
You must have been devastated to have this wonderful journey cut short! But, with the impending border closures, the decision was easier to take!

The religious figure in your w/s, is somewhat different!
He reminds me of the character who attends the pub every night, very cheerful and growing increasingly portly on beer!

Thanks for sharing these,
Bev :-)

Tue (82360) 2020-10-20 12:21

Hallo Paul,
Een indrukwekkend groot kunstwerk met vele heldere en felle kleuren en kleine details. Het zonlicht was ook weer uitstekend en de helder blauwe lucht en de groene bomen rondom zorgden voor een mooie omgeving.
Lars

pajaran (102782) 2020-10-20 23:02

Greeting.
beautiful architecture and details, well shown with beautiful colors, contrast and good text.
Nice photos in the workshop.
I wish you all the best.
Paja.

burmaman (902) 2020-10-20 23:19

Hi Paul!
You found a good angle to present us this unique sculpture and the branches on top corner work well for the composition. Yes thai people love it a bit kitchy and colorful and I like this one too.
Regards,Ronny

papagolf21 (152601) 2020-10-21 2:31

Bonjour, cher Paul,
L'art religieux Taiwanais est bien mis en évidence à travers les différentes prises de vue.
L'ensemble évoque l'élégance, l'art du détail, la préciosité, le raffinement, et les couleurs qui virevoltent.
L'intérêt est manifeste.
Amitiés.
Philippe

jmdias (103052) 2020-10-21 11:49

paul

yes, for the western patters it looks more like a carnival car or a detail of las vegas casino.our eyes are used with the greek-roman tradition.. anyway a nice monument, many colors and details, probably with an interesting meaning. TFS.

take care

jorge

clic (23832) 2020-10-22 10:58

Bonjour Paul
Cet ouvrage d'art réalisé avec tant de raffinement architectural est d'une splendeur remarquable et le rendu aux contrastes doux en lumière vive et directe rehausse l'aspect enchanteur.
Je finiai bien pas découvrir votre secret!
Amitiés

PiotrF (52330) 2020-10-22 17:25

Hello Paul,
Interesting picture with Thai religious art.
I like fine details, good composition and wonderful colours.Interesting photos in WS.
Fine presentation.
Regards
Piotr

alvaraalto (42354) 2020-10-25 2:43

Dag Paul,
Je hebt gelijk. Dit is niet monument dat ons westerlingen erg aanspreekt.
Weet je zeker dat het niet van suikergoed of marsepein is gemaakt. Het ziet er mierzoet uit.
Maar een mooie illustratie om de culturele verschillen aan ons te laten zien.
Goede zondag toegewenst, Groet Rob

kasianowak (15848) 2020-10-25 15:23

At least it's not a cheap imitation of some western cartoon you can see a lot of in e.g. Japan. As you say, this art is a result of the local tradition and values and, to be honest, I find it quite fascinating. Lots of colour too, with convenient blue sky as background.
As you say, it's difficult to appreciate the scale but the staircase does help.

COSTANTINO (104259) 2020-10-27 23:11

hello dear friend and have a nice day
spectacular view with originality
i agree with you that travelling to
another country everybody can learn
details of traditions ad civilazation
regards
Costantino

adramad (67078) 2020-10-28 13:30

Hi Paul.
I love these colorful photos that reflect the art and color that Thais like, this main one with the king on horseback and the boat is very attractive, the same as the temple in the WS, the figure of the Buddha transmits joy and sympathy.
Wonderful colors, excellent sharpness and splendid light.
Very well done. I like very much.
You have a good day.
Very best regards.
Luis.

worldcitizen (14310) 2020-10-28 13:54

Hello Paul,
This is unique and definitely eye-catching! The creators of these temples and artworks had a vivid imagination, and they liked color for sure. This is another great view with wonderful sunlight. I hope you are managing to stay healthy with all the rising cases of COVID. It's also creeping up again here in NYC...

ikeharel (105977) 2020-11-03 1:40

Brght daylight enhanced the different multi-colors upon this monument, Paul.
Three wonderful photos from the place, rightly chosen the main post.
Picture is clear and distinct, taken from perfect distance, pleasant to look at.
Have a nice new day,
Ike

terez93 (2064) 2020-11-29 21:40

Fascinating structure! I saw many religious structures on my travels through Thailand, but I seem to have missed this one, somehow! Each region has a distinct style, but with common elements, as seen here. Excellent color and lighting, clarity and sharpness. Would love to see this location in person one day!