Architecture is very unique in terms of how it contributes to society. Unlike the arts of painting or sculpture, architecture is something that normal people experience on a regular basis. The emotions of the architect often show through to the viewers by the way of metaphors. Many famous landmarks, either religious or secular, utilize metaphors in their forms. Religious architecture especially has been known to often depict significant levels of metaphorical signs. In Chiang Rai, Thailand, there is a temple known as Wat Rong Khun, better known by tourists as “The White Temple.” The current temple on the site in northern Thailand replaces an earlier temple that was beyond repair. A wealthy artist from the region, Chalermchai Kositpipat, took
…show more content…
The bridge is meant to represent the cycle of rebirth within the Buddhist religion. It is lined with a significant amount of sculptural works. Most notably, at the beginning of the bridge, it is lined with scores of hands reaching up from the ground. The placement of the hands can be compared to that of grasses growing from the Earth. According to Kisitpipat, the hands are meant to signify human desire and the role that it plays in the cycle of rebirth. The hands are also placed in a circle, signifying the never-ending life of a person who has worldly desires. The hands all appear to be reaching for something, some are even holding out pots in the direction of the path signifying that they would like them to be filled. Desire is the first level that one must get past in order to achieve nirvana. In order to achieve this state of peace, one must give up worldly temptations and move on in a lighter way.
After passing by the outreaching hands, visitors then pass through a set of what appear to be fangs. Like the majority of the sculptures at Wat Rong Khun, the fangs are partly covered with intricate mosaic designs made from small mirror fragments. On top of making the sculptures appear to be partly transparent, the mirrors also give the sculptures a dazzling look when the sun hits them at the proper angle. After passing the fangs, one would then walk across the bridge to signify the break from the cycle of death and rebirth while passing over into an infinite state of
The bridge is meant to represent the cycle of rebirth within the Buddhist religion. It is lined with a significant amount of sculptural works. Most notably, at the beginning of the bridge, it is lined with scores of hands reaching up from the ground. The placement of the hands can be compared to that of grasses growing from the Earth. According to Kisitpipat, the hands are meant to signify human desire and the role that it plays in the cycle of rebirth. The hands are also placed in a circle, signifying the never-ending life of a person who has worldly desires. The hands all appear to be reaching for something, some are even holding out pots in the direction of the path signifying that they would like them to be filled. Desire is the first level that one must get past in order to achieve nirvana. In order to achieve this state of peace, one must give up worldly temptations and move on in a lighter way.
After passing by the outreaching hands, visitors then pass through a set of what appear to be fangs. Like the majority of the sculptures at Wat Rong Khun, the fangs are partly covered with intricate mosaic designs made from small mirror fragments. On top of making the sculptures appear to be partly transparent, the mirrors also give the sculptures a dazzling look when the sun hits them at the proper angle. After passing the fangs, one would then walk across the bridge to signify the break from the cycle of death and rebirth while passing over into an infinite state of