THE PASSAGE OF LOTUS ORNAMENT FROM EGYPTIAN TO THAI

A study of origin, metamorphosis, and influence on traditional Thai decorative ornament

Abstract

Lotus is believed to be the origin of Thai ornament. The first documented drawing of Thai ornament came with Buddhist missionary from India in 800 AD. Ancient Indian ornament received some of its influence from Greek since 200 BC. Ancient Greek ornament received its influence from Egypt, which is the first civilization to create lotus ornament. Hence, it is valid to assume that Thai ornament should have origin or some of its influence from Egypt. In order to prove this assumption, this research will divine into many parts. This paper is the first part and serves as a foundation part for the entire research, showing the passage, metamorphosis and connotation of Thai ornament from the lotus ornament in Egypt. Before arriving in Thailand, Egyptian lotus had travelled around the world by mean of trade, war, religious, colonization, and politic. Its concept, arrangement and application are largely intact, however, its shape largely altered due to different culture and belief of the land that the ornament has travelled through.