Prince Wang Lang : The Great Warrior of the Early Rattanakosin
The story of “Prince Wang Lang” elaborated on Thai mural painting portraying his life from birth until death as well as other various types of art.
The area at the mouth of Bangkok Noi was once belong to “Prince Wang Lang” whose full title was “Prince Bovorn Sthanbimuk”, who was the third in command from King Rama I.
Realizing the importance of the location, the museum was then named
“Siriraj Bimuksthan”
in honor of the owner of the palace.
The Movable Throne (2014) by Siriraj Bimuksthan MuseumSiriraj Bimuksthan Museum
Sthanbimuk Mongkolkhet : Hall of Fame of Prince Wang Lang
In commemoration of Prince Wang Lang, his biography and his dedicated intelligence towards the kingdom are narrated through various types of arts in the illuminated “Sthanbimuk Mongkolkhet” exhibition room.
The Display of Anurakdeveskittiprakas (2003) by Siriraj Bimuksthan Museum and Panya VijinthanasarnSiriraj Bimuksthan Museum
Anurakdeveskittiprakas : The Biography on the Painting
One particular exhibit is the Thai mural painting portraying the prince life from early age until his death arranged chronologically from left to right.
The performance includes moving light, rhythm of prose, and Thai classical music, recited by a renowned poet.
This artwork also depicts traditional Thai customs and practice such as the royal investiture, casting and installation ceremony of a Buddha image, symbols of historic sites, costumes and the simple way of life of communities along the bank of the river.
Anurakdeveskittiprakas (2003) by Siriraj Bimuksthan Museum and Panya VijinthanasarnSiriraj Bimuksthan Museum
Birth Place
Born in year 1746 BE during Ayutthaya dynasty, Prince Wang Lang, originally named TONG-IN, was the nephew of King Rama I. When reached adulthood, he was ordained a monk and got his education in the monastery.
Military Service
During Thonburi kingdom, he served King Taksin mission and was eventually promoted to the regent governor of Korat, a fortress province in the Northeast Thailand. As seen in the painting, “Chumphon Arch”, one of major landmarks of Korat, is still preserved.
King Rama I Succeed the Throne
After defeat a rebellion, he respectfully engaged King Rama I to the throne. TONG DUANG (future King Rama I), was holding a sword, waiting for Thong Inn to engaged him to the throne.
“Prince of Wang Lang”
Later in Ratanakosin period, King Rama I promoted him to the higher rank as following by the finale rank and was invested as “Prince Bovorn Sthanbimuk”, casually called “Prince of Wang Lang” for his loyalty and valiant action in defense of the kingdom.
TONG IN, sitting on the palanquin.
The Royal Duties
During his service, Prince Wang Lang’s numerous activities had been beneficial to the country, especially in safeguarding its independence.
The painting displayed hand to hand combat on elephant back in front of the gate of “Chiang Mai” This is a combat only for the king or royal family in these times.
Cultural Restoration
When the war was over, Prince Wang Lang devoted himself to restoring and maintaining many monasteries as they are painted in a golden color. For example, Wat Ammarin on the bank of Bangkok Noi canal.
Another part in the painting also portrays Prince Wang Lang’s wife “Thong Yoo” who was skillful in cooking. Her well-known recipes are “Kang Kao”, a crispy bat-shaped snack with mince pork.
Beside the traditional Thai style, the painting also put some contemporary events. Examples of contemporary arts are “big bags”, a barrier used during the Thailand great flood in 2011, the giant freshwater stingray (Himantura chaophraya) in the Chao Phraya River, ancient boat, market, fruit trees, gardens, and Sunthorn Phu, the world renowned Thai poet cerebrated by UNESCO.
The Royal Cremation
Prince Wang Lang passed away at the age of 61. His cremation took place at the Royal Ground (Sanam Luang).
The king granted a royal cremation with three-day in honor of the deceased as the Great Warrior of the kingdom. Many traditional entertainments during cremation were shown on the painting.
Later, King Rama III casted a Buddha image, about the life size of Prince Wang Lang, with solid gold. This image was mobilized by the movable throne to establish in the base of the Emerald Buddha.
The Movable Throne (2014) by Siriraj Bimuksthan MuseumSiriraj Bimuksthan Museum
The Throne
In front of the set of the painting, there stands a splendid movable throne at the center of the room. It is a newly made handcraft engraved with architectural motifs usually used for the worship of Buddha images or other religious sacred objects.
The Wooden Base of the Movable Throne (2014) by Siriraj Bimuksthan MuseumSiriraj Bimuksthan Museum
Building the Throne
The movable throne was made of pieces of carved teakwood, put together and strengthened by 4 poles.
Making of the Moveable Throne (2013-09-19) by Siriraj Bimuksthan MuseumSiriraj Bimuksthan Museum
The Carving of the Movable Throne (2013) by Siriraj Bimuksthan MuseumSiriraj Bimuksthan Museum
Golden Moveable Throne (-2014) by Siriraj Bimuksthan MuseumSiriraj Bimuksthan Museum
The Decoration
This masterpiece was decorated with delicate artistic techniques that were passed down for generations such as gilding, carving, and glass decorating. The shimmering decoration captures all eyes of the visitors.
The Glittering Movable Throne (2013) by Siriraj Bimuksthan MuseumSiriraj Bimuksthan Museum
Phra Nirantarai (2014) by Siriraj Bimuksthan MuseumSiriraj Bimuksthan Museum
Phra Nirantarai
Situated inside the movable throne is a replica of the Buddha images called “Phra Nirantarai”.
Featuring Ratanakosin religious art, Phra Nirantarai Buddha image is made of bronze sheathed with gold with the posture of Meditation.
Exquisite characters include oval face, wide forehead, arched brows, downward eyes, straight nose, perfectly shaped mouth, ear lobes almost touching the shoulder for instance.
The Ancient Weapons (2013) by Siriraj Bimuksthan MuseumSiriraj Bimuksthan Museum
The Heirlooms of Prince Wang Lang
During preparation for the exhibition in Siriraj Bimuksthan Museum, descendants of Prince of Wang Lang presented their family heirlooms, the ancient weapons, to Siriraj to be conserved and displayed.
The Weapons Conservation
It is found that the weapons are on average 150 years old with specific craftsmanship and techniques from different ethnic groups and locations. The principle of conservation work was to prevent further deterioration and preserve the original designs.
3D Version of Thai Sword, Ayutthaya Style (-1800) by Swordsmith of AyutthayaSiriraj Bimuksthan Museum
This is where we bring the exquisite detail of Thai sword, Ayutthaya Style to life.
The Ancient Weapon (2010) by Siriraj Bimuksthan MuseumSiriraj Bimuksthan Museum
The collection of weapons signifies distinguished rank and title of the owners; for example, the rare royal-style sword used in government service which signifies the heroic war service of Prince Wang Lang.
The Ancient Weapons Room (2013) by Siriraj Bimuksthan MuseumSiriraj Bimuksthan Museum
The Ancient Weapons Room
Through its beautiful details and pattern, the weapons also identify the proficiency of the swordsmith and the origin from various styles. The stories of courage and sacrifices of our ancestors shall be recognized, praised, and held on by Thai forever.
A set of Embroidered Cloth of Xihan (2013) by Siriraj Bimuksthan MuseumSiriraj Bimuksthan Museum
The Embroidery of Xihan
In terms of literature intelligence, Prince Wang Lang was also ordered from King Rama I to be a director of the Chinese-Thai translation of “Xihan”. As being one of two Chinese chronicles next to “Three Kingdoms”, “Xihan” illustrates good good governance and provokes the code of conduct to a king and government officials.
This piece of literary art was very popular during the early Ratanakosin period.
Xihan Embroidered Cloth (2012) by Siriraj Bimuksthan MuseumSiriraj Bimuksthan Museum
Embroidered Cloth Each character of Xihan
To depict the enchantment of Xihan, the characters from the story are displayed through a set the meticulous silk embroidery.
The experts from China delicately weaved every thread to create this elegant artwork as beautiful as the story told.
Diorama of Phra Sri Muang (2012) by Siriraj Bimuksthan MuseumSiriraj Bimuksthan Museum
Phra Sri Muang
Prince Wang Lang was also an accomplished writer as appeared in the plays he composed entitled “Phra Sri Muang”.
Written in verse-style and dramatic qualities, the novel is considered one of the most valuable literary works of the kingdom.
A Scene from the Diorama of Phra Sri Muang (2012) by Siriraj Bimuksthan MuseumSiriraj Bimuksthan Museum
Even though the manuscript is currently kept in the Ancient Manuscripts' Room of the National Library of Thailand, some scenes are the exhibited in Siriraj Bimuksthan Museum in a diorama style where visitors can come to enjoy every detail of delicate arts, portraying the life of Prince Wang Lang, the Great Warrior of the Early Rattanokosin.
