Ruesi Sculpture at Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangalaram Temple: Art Forms in the Early Rattanakosin Period

Abstract

            The article presents a study of the Ruesi sculptures in Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangalaram Temple. The purpose of this study was to examine characteristics of the Ruesi sculptures in the following aspects: face, facial expressions, acting, and clothing to determine the age of these sculptures. This present research was mainly conducted on a basis of comparative study on 28 postures of Ruesi sculptures from 29 work pieces together with Ruesi Datton poem narrating 80 postures of the hermit with illustrations which had been graciously recorded under the command of King Rama 3. Aforementioned records in the Thai books were studied and compared with hermit sculptures in various cultures.

          As a result, it could be observed that Ruesi sculptures in Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararam Temple, could have been created during the early Rattanakosin period. The sculptures could be seen to have particular characteristics of the hermit especially in the way of clothing such as priest’s hat (Doklamphong hat) which representing monasticism. In addition, it could also be observed that hermit draping dress could be presented in a variety of styles due to different bodily postures. The issue of determining the age of these 28-postures, 29 work pieces of Ruesi sculptures according to existing literatures, it was found that only 19 postures of 20 work pieces could be matched accordingly with illustration and literary contents narrated in ancient Thai books. According to the findings of this study, these Ruesi sculptures could be regarded as the oldest sculptures in Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararam Temple.