take to get acquainted with “Ancient stone dolls” at the famous Temple of the Emerald Buddha Which has evidence that it is an “exotic thing” in the reign of King Rama V imported from abroad to be used as an exhibition at the 100th Anniversary Rattanakosin Celebration. Why? Why were these stone dolls buried underground? This is still a mystery to explore?
Today, most people’s cultural-tourist roads are heading straight to “Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram” or “Wat Phra Kaew“to take a picture as a souvenir with”ancient stone doll” A large number of which have appeared since the beginning of July. which appeared as famous news all over Thailand
How did these ancient stone dolls come from? You are invited to view
Hilarious to find ancient stone dolls at Wat Phra Kaew
After the picture was published “Ancient stone dolls” were decorated at Wat Phra Kaew. which has been published in large numbers in the online world on the website “His Majesty’s government” has published information about the discovery of the stone doll. in the press release and activities section entitled “Dig and find stone sculptures. in the Temple of the Emerald Buddha Grand Palace” on July 15, 2022 that
…In July, 2021, in the improvement of the traffic route inside the Grand Palace around the Manee Nopparat Gate to the Swasdi Sopha Gate. During the renovation work, many stone sculptures were unearthed. Therefore, archaeological excavations have been opened. From the evidence found that it is a sculpture of a person of various nationalities. and mythical creatures which inscriptions found on some carved stone sculptures specify in Chinese Made in Guangdong Province, Guangzhou Province
From a preliminary historical search, it was found that These carved stone sculptures appeared in old photographs during the reign of King Mongkut, decorated around the monastery and moved in subsequent reigns. which is evidenced by images published in books both domestically and internationally
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej has been graciously pleased to preserve and repair stone sculptures. And used to decorate in the temple of Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram in the same position or nearby as evidence appears…
This is consistent with the information of a number of scholars who have come out to provide that information. These ancient stone dolls are not “ballast” dolls that Chinese people put on the boat and leave them in our home. According to the preliminary assumptions of many people, it is the same set of ancient stone dolls that appeared in paintings and photographs during the reigns of King Rama IV and King Rama V.
Especially during the reign of King Rama V, there was evidence that there were many decorations at the Phra Kaew Temple area.
So how did these ancient stone dolls come about? Why do so many appear at Wat Phra Kaew since more than 100 years ago? On this matter, some scholars have come out to clarify. To project the origin of these ancient stone dolls more clearly.
foreign stone doll Strange things of the reign of King Rama V
“Krairiksh NanaIndependent scholar and famous historian has written an explanation of this in an article titled “The ‘Invisible Statue’ of Napoleon III from Paris is broken, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Bangkok, evidence points to Thailand.” (printed in the book “Siam Saves Self-Independence” Matichon Publishing, September 2007) concluded that
These ancient stone puppet statues were ordered from overseas. in the reign of King Rama V to decorate the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in the form of an exhibition on the occasion of the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Rattanakosin These stone dolls were considered “strange items” and were very exotic in that era. In which part of the article, “Krairk Nana” wrote that
… April 21, 1882 is the most important day of the feast. Because Bangkok is 100 years old, Bangkok has been built. Once in Bangkok, the government has also organized a museum exhibition at Sanam Luang as well. To encourage people to know and be alert to the advancement of modern knowledge such as agricultural, science and architecture works, including modern inventions from the West. as well as the display of “weird things” or strange things from foreign countries that Siamese have never seen before. museum show or perhaps called “Exhibitions” are imitations of world fairs or International Exhibitions that are regularly held in Europe and America. This event was also supported by various embassies. Especially the cooperation of dozens of Europeans who served with the Siamese royal court, such as Italians, British and Germans.
which are the strange items displayed in this event Another part is exotic jewelry. Inside Wat Phra Kaew, which are stone statues from foreign countries that can simulate the appearance of world-class important people who have actually lived. come together to make it look jolly In addition to other views According to a delegation of visitors from Russia, intend to mark To a group of world-famous people gathered together to listen to the teachings of the Buddha that are widely spread.”
But the person who will not be forgotten It is the person who is the master of the decoration of the beautiful courtyard of Wat Phra Kaew. To be strange out as well. Newly ordered marble statues All of them are the works of Krom Muen Rajasak Club. book honoring the lord Praise the goodness of His Highness in this mission saying: “Lord Ya you Prince Kamalas Lersan Received official celebration of His Majesty’s grace to command the Department of Goldsmiths and was the master of jewelry management of the Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram Temple should be able to receive the rank of a different prince.”
Where has the stone doll gone?
Later, during the reign of King Rama VI, images of these ancient stone dolls adorning Wat Phra Kaew still exist. but the number has decreased Until the reign of King Rama VII, at the 150th Anniversary Celebration of Rattanakosin in 1932, there is no record of the presence of these stone dolls. Which is a doubt to the present how these stone dolls disappear from Wat Phra Kaew?
this matter”Dr. Natthaphong Lapboonsup” Thai language and social studies teacher People interested in history, culture and love to travel It is described in part of the article “Stone Doll : Newly exhibited antiques at Wat Phra Kaewpublished on the Reporter Journey website on July 16, 2022.
…Evidence exists that when the restoration of Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram prepares to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the city in 1930, the Government Gazette published a document indicating the cost of restoring various parts of the temple. It states that “… the cost of dismantling dolls, plant pots and stone platforms, etc. is 431 baht …”
The reason why these ancient stone dolls statues of foreigners was buried underground at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha It remains a mystery for experts to continue to search.
However, the discovery of ancient stone dolls and bringing it back to decorate at Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace area again today This may not be the strangest thing of modern Thai people. Just like in the past more than 100 years ago. This is another new color of Wat Phra Kaew that is very interesting.
