Media Information

 
 
 
Collection:
ADJUNCT MODULE C: WORLD ART
Preferred Title:
Ramakien [mural]
Alternate Title:
Ramakian [mural]
Image View:
Battle against Intharachit, son of the demon king Ravana (Tosakan or Thotsakan)
Creator:
unknown (Thai painters)
Location:
repository: Wat Phra Kaew (Bangkok, Krung Thep, Thailand)
Location Note:
Phra Nakhon District; Grand Palace
GPS:
13.751389 100.4925
Date:
ca. 1807-1850 (creation)
Cultural Context:
Thai
Style Period:
Nineteenth century
Work Type 1:
mural painting (visual work)
Classification:
Paintings
Material:
paint and gilding on wall
Technique:
gilding (technique); painting and painting techniques
Measurements:
2 km (length, approx.)
Subjects:
animal; deities; human figure; literary or legendary; military or war; Hinduism; Ramayana; Ramakian; mythology
Description:
The Ramakien (literally "Glory of Rama"; sometimes also spelled Ramakian) is Thailand's national epic, derived from the Hindu epic Ramayana. Three versions currently exist, one of which was prepared in 1797 under the supervision of (and partly written by) King Rama I. Although Thailand is considered a Theravada Buddhist society, the Hindu mythology latent in the Ramakien serves to provide Thai legends with a creation myth, as well as representations of various spirits which complement beliefs derived from Thai animism. A painted representation of the Ramakien is displayed at Bangkok's Wat Phra Kaew, and many of the statues there depict characters from it. The 2 km long painting is constantly being restored by university art students. (Source: Wikipedia; http://en.wikipedia. org/wiki/Main_Page)
Image Description:
Intharachit uses his bow more than any other weapon. He once fired arrows (Nagabat Arrows) which turned into Nagas (snakes) in mid-air and rained down on Phra Ram's army. He once had a blessing from the Phra Isuan that he shall not die on land but in the air, and if his severed head were to touch the ground, it will bring down great destruction.
Collection:
Archivision Adjunct Module C: World Art
Identifier:
6A2-TY-B-R-A77
Rights:
© Scott Gilchrist, Archivision, Inc.

Ramakien [mural]