Phra Rabiang (The Gallery) in Wat Phra Kaew, Bangkok, Thailand

The Phra Rabiang (The Gallery) in Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of Emerald Buddha), Bangkok was constructed by King Rama I in the 18th century and is noted for it's murals depicting the entire Ramkian (the Thai version of the Ramayana epic).

The verses telling the story of the paintings, 4,984 all together, are inscribed in marble slabs embedded on the four sides of each pillar supporting the gallery roof.

The original murals were painted when the Phra Rabiang (The Gallery) was first built, however because rapid of deterioration caused by dampness, the murals today in Wat Phra Kaew reflect little of the art of the First Reign.

Frequent restorations were carried out during their two centuries of existence mainly during the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Reigns and it is not known whether the murals were simply retouched or entirely repainted.

The most recent restoration of the Phra Rabiang (The Gallery) in Wat Phra Kaew, Bangkok, Thailand was started in 1965 and took seven years to complete.

Modern technology was used in an attempt to prevent future peeling and deterioration of the murals.

Related Stories about Wat Phra Kaew

Gate No.2, Na Wua Gate, Wat Phra Kaew
Khantharat Buddha Image Hall, Wat Phra Kaew
Montheintham Buddha Image Hall, Wat Phra Kaew
The Bell Tower, Wat Phra Kaew, Bangkok
Giant, the Wat Phra Kaew temple, Bangkok

Info: infothai.com

Site Map of Wat Phra Kaew - Bangkok - Thailand

1. Hall of Temple (Place for The Emerald Buddha)
2. 12 of Raai Pavillion
3. Phra Kantaracha House
4. The Bell Tower
5. Racha Pongsa Nusorn House
6. Phra Phothithat Pimarn House
7. Racha Gorama Nusorn House
8. The Hermit Image
9. Phra Thep Bhidorn house
10. 2 Pagoda
11. Phra Mondhob
12. Phra Srirattana Pagoda
13. Model of Angkor Wat
14. King’s symbolic sequence 1, 2, 3 Monument
15. King’s symbolic sequence 4 Monument
16. King’s symbolic sequence 5 Monument
17. King’s symbolic sequence 6, 7, 8, 9 Monument
18. Phra Montheindhamma House
19. Viharn Yod
20. Phra Naga House
21. The stupa
22. The Balcony; Mural wall painting, Wat Phra Kaew

Two Golden Phra Chedis - Wat Phra Kaew - Bangkok

Two Golden Phra Chedis, Wat Phra Kaew (Chedi mean pagoda) situated on the Phaithee terrace in front of Phra thep Bidorn house were constructed by King Rama 1 in honor of his father (southern pagoda) and mother (northern pagoda)

Two Golden Phra Chedis, Wat Phra Kaew are exactly the same design and size, having a square base with triple indented corners. The structures are entirely covered with copper sheets, painted with lacquer and covered with gold leaf.

The Golden Phra Chedis are placeed on an octagonal base lined with marble adorned with a cross design. Above the base are 20 plaster giants and monkeys decorated with colored glass who appear to be lifting the chedi. A monkey figure is placed at the center of each side of the base.

Above that is a three-level singha base (lion design base). Next there is a lotus flower designed base on which the chedis stand. The apex of the chedi consists of a group of 9 lotus flower design levels, which are topped with a hollow spire covered with gold leaf.

The Two Golden Phra Chedis, Wat Phra Kaew were constructed in the First Reign at the edge of the pool to the east of the original Monthientham Buddha Image Hall.

King Mongkut (King Rama 4) ordered the construction of the Phra Phuthaprang Prasat at that site. The chedis were therefore moved to the front, south and north of the Phra Phuthaprang Prasat.

King Rama 5 had the chedis covered with copper sheets and painted with lacquer and covered with gold leaf. He also had the demons and monkeys added. King Rama 6 ordered the chedis removed to their present location.

Source: Unknown