Artwork Search
Arts in Southeast Asia Database
ArchitectureVejyanvijiarnprasat Pavilion
Vejyanvijiarnprasat Pavilion is a brick-and-stucco building in cross plan with five prang-typed tops; the highest on the building and four smaller on the proticos. There is a Nobhasula on each top. The stucco decaration can be found on the pediment, echinus and pilasters. The construction used pointed-arched technic, which narrow doorways can support its rooftop.
ArchitectureThe Main Sanctuary of Prasat Phimai
The main sanctuary was built of white sandstone and oriented toward the south. Its plan consists of an indented-plan tower with entrances on the northern, eastern and western sides leading to the cella or garbhagrha. The antarala is on the southern side connecting the rectangular mandapa of which its entrances are on the southern, (initially, this area should house a statue hence the blocked pathway), eastern and western sides. On the ridge of the roofs of porticos, antarala and mandapa are adorned with finials (brali).Each tier of the stepped roofs is a miniature-form of the sanctuary. The roofs are also adorned with the overhangs and cornered antefixes. On the very top is a kalasa or a water pot symbol, it is believed that there is a metal nine-tiered trident over the kalasa which is now lost. The garbhagrha housesa a Bayon sculpture of Buddha sheltered by naga, therefore this buddha statue was not the original statue of the older main sanctuary. There is also a somasutra or a drainage channel leading northeastward.
ArchitecturePrasat Phimai
Prasat Phimai locates in the center of the town and is oriented toward the south. Main buildings of temple complex from the entrance to the main sanctuary are as followed;1. a cruciform naga terrace, from the southwest of the terrace is a rectangular building commonly referred to as a disrobing pavilion2. the cruciform naga terrace leads to the entrance gopuras and enclosure wall, with imposing cruciform gate (gopura) on four sides.3. following the southern entrance gopura is a causeway which connects the southern entrance gopura of the outer enclosure and the southern entrance of the gallery. Originally the causeway had a tiled-wooden beam roof.4. an area between the outer enclosure and gallery there are two libraries to the west as well as four ponds at the four corners closed to the enclosure wall.5. the inner gallery surrounds the central and most holy area of the temple. Four cruciform gopura serve as an entrance on each side of the gallery. 6. at the centre of the complex, the white sandstone main sanctuary was erected and oriented to the south. There are also lesser buildings scattered around in the same area such as Prang Brahmadat to the southeast, Ho Brahma (Brahmin Hall) and Prang Hin Daeng (Red Stone Tower) are on the southwest, and to the east found a base of some building possibly a pavilion.
ArchitecturePrang Khaek
Prang Khaek comprises three brick towers in a north-east axis and face toward the east. The central tower is the highest and heaviest of the three. An excavation by Saritphong Khungsong discovered a single large rectangular foundation (Phaiti base) supporting all three towers.All three towers share similar architectural structure and style which are a base with projections, an entrance on the eastern side whereas other three sides display a blind door, and a multi-tiered superstructure. Stucco motifs which once were adorned the buildings are mostly now lost. The vihara, a rectangular brick building, which is adjacent to the eastern side of the central tower has a pointed arch doorway. The supposed water supply tank locates to the south of the vihara.
ArchitecturePhra Thinang Dusit Sawan Thanya Mahaprasat
This throne hall was oriented toward the east. Its main building material is brick and is covered with plaster. The space of the room was divided into 2 sections. The front part of the hall is a rectangular room lined with pointed arch windows along the walls of three sides: east, north and south. Its full pediment roof which is now destroyed would likely made of wooden structure and tiles. The second section occupies a space at the back of the hall. It is a two-storied room of which the wooden floor was all destroyed, only rows of pilaster and a large pedestal in the middle remains. A window on the east wall of the upper floor was where King Narai received audiences beside which there was an exit leading down to the front hall. The roof of this section was plausibly adorned with prasat-typed spire.
ArchitecturePrasat Muang Singh
Prasat Muang Singh has been fully restored. Laterite was the chief construction material, plastered and decorated with stucco which is now mostly gone. The tower was oriented toward the east.The group of buildings were supported by a high base by which the main sanctuary is at the centre. Roofs of the main sanctuary were now lost. Library is located to the northeast of the main sanctuary. They were all surrounded by a gallery which had gopura/entrances on all four sides topped with prasat-like superstructure. On the eastfront of the base was affixed to the laterite court which should be sheltered by wooden beams and tiled roof, now lost. To the east, there is a trace of gopura which was once connected to the enclosure to the north and south with a cruciform terrace situated in front of the gopura.
ArchitecturePrasat Phra Thep Bidorn
Prasat Phra Thep Bidorn is a four-portico building with Prang top. The front projecting portico is in the east. The wall is decorated by tiles in Phoom Khao Bindh pattern on blue background. The cornice is decorated with Chorfah, Bairaka, Naksadung and Hanghong. A prang is on the top of the building, which is made from plaster and decorated with coloured tiles. Its four pediments display the royal coats of arms. The northern portico’s pediment displays Unalom of King Rama I. The southern portico’s pediment displays Garuda holding Nagas of King Rama II. The western portico’s pediment displays Phra Viman of King Rama III and the eastern portico’s pediment displays Phra Makamongkut of King Rama IV. The windows and doorways has Mongkut tops which are coated with gold lacquer and glass, while the sided walls show the royal coats of arms of King Rama I – V.
ArchitectureDusitmahaprasat Throne Hall
Dusitmahaprasat Throne Hall is a brick-and-stucco building in cross plan. The roof tilese are green and orange, while the its acroterion at the edge is Nage Buen. The projecting portico on the north lies a bussabok, while the southern wing was puctured to build another bussabok throne in the reign of King Rama IV. The western wing is used for placing the coffin of the King or the royal family, which is connected to the dressing room. The eastern wing has a linked corridor to Abhornbimok Throne Hall. The windows and doorways have pointed peaks, while the wall in decorated with Phoom Khao Bindh pattern. The ceiling is decorated with wooden carved which is coated with gold lacquer and glass.
