San Somdet and the knowledge formation of thai art history in Thailand
Date
2021
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Article
Publisher
Silpakorn University
Journal Title
San Somdet and the knowledge formation of thai art history in Thailand
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Abstract
This research intends to analyze the informing methods of Thai Art Historical knowledge from ÒSan SomdetÓ, a compilation of letters by Prince Narisara Nuvadtivongs and Prince Damrong Rajanubhab. Both princes held prestige positions in Thai bureaucracy during the reigns of King Rama V-VII. Shortly after the shift of ruling regime in Siam, Prince Damrong left Thailand and stayed in Penang. However, he regularly wrote letters to Prince Naris. Later, these letters were compiled and published as ÒSan SomdetÓ. This compilation is acclaimed as a highly historically valued document because its content covers historical, social and cultural knowledge of Siam in that time. This research proposes a new perspective that both princes use systematic, western scientific methods, which has never been studied before, in the process of informing Thai arts and historical knowledge. Those methods are: 1) inquiry and examination information from both princesÕ memories and others scholars, 2) research from written documents, 3) examination from different sources, 4) data collection from field exploration, 5) analysis based on scientific tool and experiment, and 6) dating by comparison between artifactsÕ patterns and materials. Although these methods are not considered an exact criterion in the current Art HistoryÕs methodology, these attempts show the transition of knowledge formation of Thai Art History. The knowledge taken from San Somdet is still resourceful to Thai academics until today. © Copyright International Knowledge Press. All rights reserved.
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Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences Studies