Friday, December 21, 2007

The Grand Plaza, Bangkok

The opulence of the grand plaza is almost unprecedented in Thailand.








It is a stunning plaza of patterns, details and complexity.











The Grand Plaza is the home of the royal family - and has been the royal residence since it was constructed in the 1700's honoring Bangkok as Thailand's new capital. The claywork is masterful...





The level of detail is awe-inspiring.





There must be thousands of these hand painted tiles 11" x 20" - with such precise and delicate brushwork.




And then there is the hand carved slate tile....





Absolutely millions upon millions of tiny mosiac glass work throughout this gaudy, overdone and yet inspiring homage to royalty.





And everytime you turn your head... there is more and more...







layer, upon layer of patterning, movement, texture, design, artistry & mastery, both of workers and kingdom.





Even today, the mastery continues as restoration artists maintain this great plaza as it was in the days of King Rama 1st.






Paintings on plaster walls peeling with age are being redone...






And the mosiac artistry of the past is channeled through these contemporary craftsmen...





All keeping the Grand Palace simply Grand!











13 comments:

Nora Thomas said...

What a gift your travel blog is! I am enjoying it so much. I was especially touched by the small home-run potteries. Looks like you're having the time of your life!

Merry Christmas Brendaxoxo Nora

Donna McMahon said...

wishing you both a magical season in a foriegn land...
happy holidays from state side...
d&p

Lisa411 said...

Looking at the photos I can only image how beautiful the artistry is in person. I hope I get an opportunity to visit it. I was bored to tears after my last conference in Thailand! This guide helped me discover the best in upscale dining and entertainment. Get instant access to the guide that saved my sanity and helped me find fun in Thailand @ https://paydotcom.com/r/34377/sabre23/18599533/
...Don't Leave Home Without It! ;)

Aslam said...

Very beautiful picture.





Regards
Pakistan travel

workhard said...

Oh WOW.. what a post.. Just love the pictures...

Idaho Homes

Tom W said...

You really went to town with your photographs. Thanks for taking so much time to share the detail with us all :)

Honeymoon in Thailand

Unknown said...

All photos are stunning and beautiful really.
City has been recovered from the last month's anti govt. protest roits..
Take care of your self..

Jaipur flight a

Shawn said...

O Its Amazing Picture.

cheap Tickets to Thailand

Ooze said...

Wonderful blog. Thank you so much for sharing this blog. Love this place... Keep on Sharing Please! http://hotspotstraveldestinationinthailand.blogspot.com; http://travelhotspotsinthailand.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing . Thailand is beautified with a diverse variety featuring palm studded water beaches, lush green forests, mountains, well preserved historic civilization along with the excitement of thrilling water adventures. Bangkok, Phuket, and Pattaya are some of the most-visited cities of Thailand.
Thailand Travel Guide

gaurav said...

Bangkok for tourist , a dreamy destination and place , here we can find our life with a new meaningful way and with refreshing approach

pez armstrong said...

We are Monavie!Watch our succes video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTVodiuIgNQ .We need more member to join our team.Now we're entering Malaysia,and next is Thailand!So what you waiting for?Grab this big opportunity with sign up as member now and be the first Thai citizen in Monavie!Email me at hafizshahri@yahoo.com.my for enquiries.

Marie-Monique said...

Merci pour ce magnifique reportage! les photos sont superbes à bientôt