The Integrating Isan Buddhist Architectural Styles And Symbolic Decorations On Ceilings With Computer Design Technology For Residential Decorative Product Design.

Abstract

This article is part of a doctoral dissertation entitled "Style and Symbol of Decorations on the Ceiling Inside of Isan Buddhist Building for Residential Decorative Product Design." The study aims to examine the stylistic elements and symbolic meanings embedded in ceiling decorations found within Isan (Northeastern Thai) Buddhist structures. Employing a qualitative research methodology, data were collected from experts, practitioners, and relevant stakeholders using surveys, observation, interviews, and questionnaires. The investigation focused on 13 temples across seven provinces in Northeastern Thailand. Using the theoretical framework of visual art elements, the findings reveal that ceiling decorations are present in structures such as Sim, Ho Chaek, Ho Trai, and bell towers. The most frequent occurrences were found in Sim (8 temples), followed by Ho Chaek(3 temples), Ho Trai (1 temple), and bell towers (1 temple). These decorations appear in both two-dimensional forms (murals) and three-dimensional forms (sculptures, wood carvings, and stucco reliefs). The study further analyzes the symbolic meanings of these decorations through the lens of Ferdinand de Saussure’s semiotic theory, addressing both denotative (explicit) and connotative (implicit) meanings. The narratives represented in the ceiling decorations can be categorized into three thematic groups: (1) Buddhist teachings, beliefs, and texts from the Tripitaka; (2) local folklore and traditional lifestyles; and (3) purely decorative elements designed to beautify the religious spaces. Five main stylistic categories of ceiling decorations were identified: (1) human and supernatural figures, (2) animals, nature, and imaginative creatures, (3) landscapes, foliage, vines, flowers, and clouds, (4) architectural representations, and (5) ornamental patterns including traditional Thai motifs, inventive patterns, Chinese patterns, and star motifs.These ceiling decorations not only beautify the Northeastern Buddhist religious buildings but also express faith in Buddhism, encapsulating both direct and indirect meanings rooted in beliefs, lifestyles, and communities, passed down from past to present. The knowledge gained from the forms and symbols of these ceiling decorations especially representations of animals and nature, landscapes, and celestial motifs, which symbolize abundance, happiness, good fortune, and auspiciousness served as inspiration for designing decorative home products.