Phra Bot of Wat Dok Ngeun

No evidence of the making was found but the art form can be determined that it was likely created in the 21st Buddhist century. It is found in the chedi group of Wat Dok Ngeun, Hot District, Chiang Mai Province from the archaeological excavations, the flooded area from the construction of Bhumibol Dam in 1959. It was first found in a coiled shape in a clay pot with a Buddha image and various valuables.

Dust paint on fabric

This Phra Bot tells the story of Lord Buddha descending from the Dao Deung (Tavatimsa) Heaven to Sangkasa city. There were many colors used; green, blue, red, white, yellow and black. It was gilded only at the Lord Buddha. It was divided into four parts, the top part is the Dao Deung Heaven showing pictures of Devas (angels) paying respect with Parichart Trees, Chulamanee chedi and two vimans. The second floor is the picture of a large Buddha, descending from the crystal stairways with both the sun and the moon flanking. The third floor displays the surrounding atmosphere in Sangkasa. At the bottom one is a picture of water, the Nagas and Human beings with the background of Montharop flowers with inscriptions in various positions

The evidence of Phra Bot and painting in the 21st Buddhist Century

1. This scene displays the Dao Deung Heaven and the Sangkasa city below. It reflects this scene from Buddha's Chronicle when Lord Buddha descended from Dao Deung heaven.

2. The Montharop is the flower that was influenced by Chinese art such as Peony flowers and Sri Lanka art like lotus flowers.

1. Phra Bot of Wat Chedi Sung in Chiang Mai National Museum is an ancient Lanna art. Phra bot found at the same time as Wat Dok Ngeun but found in different chedis. It belongs to the contemporary era but was likely older.

2. The tunnel murals of Wat Umong Thera Chandra, Chiang Mai Province is the only mural painting of the 21st Buddhist century era which used the same color patterns and techniques as the one in Phra Bot of Wat Dok Ngeun. The paintings of nature scenery such as flowers, birds, reflected the influence of Chinese art because similar patterns were found Chinese wares from the Yuan and Ming dynasties.

ภาณุพงษ์ เลาหสม. จิตรกรรมฝาผนังล้านนา. กรุงเทพฯ: เมืองโบราณ, 2541.

ศักดิ์ชัย สายสิงห์. ศิลปะล้านนา. กรุงเทพฯ: มติชน, 2556.

กรมศิลปากร, สมบัติศิลปจากบริเวณเขื่อนภูมิพล. พระนคร: โรงพิมพ์พระจันทร์, 2515.

สันติ เล็กสุขุม. ศิลปะภาคเหนือ : หริภุญชัย – ล้านนา. พิมพ์ครั้งที่ 3. กรุงเทพฯ: เมืองโบราณ, 2555.