Wat Ratchabophit, Bangkok

[Archer]

Wat Ratchabophit is a Buddhist temple in Bangkok, not far from Wat Pho and the Grand Palace, built during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) (1853 – 1910) (reigned 1868-1910).

The interior of the temple is rich in Western influence, which dates back to the King's visit to Europe in 1897.

From our perspective, the most interesting features are the window shutters decorated with inlaid mother-of-pearl representing the Orders of Thailand!

Let's start with a representation of the Most Illustrious Order of Chula Chom Klao.

This was established by King Chulalongkorn on 16 November 1873 to commemorate the 90th Jubilee of the Chakri Dynasty, and bears his name (Chula). The colour of the sash is his birthday colour: pink for a Tuesday.

Edited November 14, 2012 by Archer

[Archer]

The next is a depiction of the Most Illustrious Order of the Royal House of Chakri.

This was established by King Chulalongkorn in 1882 to commemorate the Bangkok Centennial. It is awarded to members of the House of Chakri (the Thai Royal Family), foreign Heads of State and members of other royal houses.

The colour of the sash is yellow.

Note the trident heads projecting behind the star of the order. The Chakri which provides both the name and the emblem of the House of Chakri is composed of a discus (Chakra) and trident (Trisula).

[Archer]

Now comes the Ancient and Auspicious Order of the Nine Gems.

Established in 1851 by King Rama IV, the Order is bestowed upon members of the Thai Royal Family and distinguished high ranking officials, who have rendered services to the Kingdom and Buddhism.

It is said that the Nine Gems originated in a Hindu royal amulet known as the navaratna. In historical times the gems were set in a gold ring awarded to victorious generals, and forming part of the royal insignia given to the king at his coronation. A ring is still part of the insignia of the Order and is worn by male members of the Order.

The Nine Gems and the corresponding benefits that they bestow on their bearers, are:

Diamond — for power, wealth, success over enemies

Ruby — for success and longevity

Emerald — for strength and security

Yellow Sapphire — for charm and love

Garnet — for health and longevity

Blue Sapphire — for love and wealth

Pearl/Moonstone — for purity, happiness, and success over enemies

Zircon/Topaz — for wealth and success in legal affairs

Cat’s Eye — for protection by spirits, and from fire

[Archer]

Now we come to two Orders that are very familiar to collectors, but which look slightly different to their modern descendants. Bear in mind that these mother-of-pearl decorations date back to the turn of the 20th century.

The first is the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant (Khrueang Ratcha Itsariyaphon An Pen Thi Choet Chu Ying Chang Phueak).

Established by King Rama IV in 1861, this is said to be the most frequently bestowed Order in Thailand.

Edited November 14, 2012 by Archer

[Archer]

The second is the Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand (Khrueang Ratcha Itsariyaphon An Mi Kiattiyot Ying Mongkut Thai).

Established by King Rama V in 1869 for members of the Royal Family, government employees, and foreign dignitaries for outstanding services to the Kingdom of Thailand, it is frequently seen in conjunction with the Order of the White Elephant.

[Archer]

To give you some idea of the context, here is a picture of one of the shutters (not the same as the shutter from which the enlargements were taken).

Edited November 14, 2012 by Archer

[Archer]

And here is a general view of the interior of this lovely temple.

Over at the extreme left you can just see the Royal Orders of Thailand in mother-of-pearl.

Cheers!

William

Edited November 14, 2012 by Archer