The Development of Buddhist Botanical Patterns in China and Thailand
Abstract
Background and Aim: Buddhist botanical patterns are an important cultural phenomenon formed during the spread of Buddhism from India, aimed at conveying and promoting Buddhist cultural thoughts. Buddhism is the major religion in both China and Thailand, yet there has been limited research on the development and study of Buddhist botanical patterns in these countries, which hinders cultural exchange and dissemination. Therefore, the purpose of this research is: (1) to Investigate the evolution of Buddhist botanical motifs in China and Thailand; (2) to analyze the distinct characteristics of Buddhist botanical motifs across Chinese and Thai contexts; (3) to examine the critical role of intercultural exchange in the development and diversification of cultural expressions.
Materials and Methods: This research will employ the following methodologies: (1) literature review, to compile and examine the historical evolution of Buddhist plant motifs in China and Thailand, and (2) comparative analysis, conducting horizontal comparisons of key cases to analyze the distinctive decorative characteristics of Buddhist plant motifs. Additionally, vertical analysis of various decorative themes will be performed to map the design trajectory and trace the historical origins of these motifs.
Results: This research reveals that, while both China and Thailand have integrated botanical elements into Buddhist art, each country possesses distinct cultural, historical, and religious contexts that shape differences in symbolic meanings and artistic expressions. The evolution of botanical motifs is also closely intertwined with contemporary socioeconomic conditions, trade relations, and endorsements by ruling authorities.
Conclusion: Plant motifs serve not only as a medium for artistic expression but also as an essential avenue for understanding Buddhist culture in both countries. The fusion of culture and religion has fostered the development of intercultural exchange. This study provides insights into modern design practices, showcasing the potential applications of traditional plant motifs in contemporary art.
Article Details
How to Cite
Section
Articles
Copyright & License
Copyright (c) 2025 International Journal of Sociologies and Anthropologies Science Reviews
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Copyright on any article in the International Journal of Sociologies and Anthropologies Science Reviews is retained by the author(s) under the under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Permission to use text, content, images, etc. of publication. Any user to read, download, copy, distribute, print, search, or link to the full texts of articles, crawl them for indexing, pass them as data to software, or use them for any other lawful purpose. But do not use it for commercial use or with the intent to benefit any business.
References
Chang, S. (2004). Decorative patterns of Dunhuang through the ages in China. Tsinghua University Press.
Dang, J. (2009). Study on the Buddhist plant decorative patterns in the Tang dynasty. Doctoral dissertation, Northwest University.
Guan, S. J. (1996). On the branches of communication studies: Intercultural communication. Journal of Journalism and Communication Research, 1, 64-69.
He, L. (2012). Study on Thai pattern culture. Doctoral dissertation, Yunnan Nationalities University.
Hu, T., & An, Z. (2004). Buddhist art. Dunhuang Literature and Art Publishing House.
Leksukhum, S. (2007). Sino-Thai relations in ornamental motifs. Muangboran.
Ma, C. (2017). Study on the design of Buddhist temple decorative patterns in China. Doctoral dissertation, Hebei University of Technology.
Ni, J. (2000). Chinese Buddhist decorations. Guangxi Fine Arts Publishing House.
Prayur, U. (1987). Chinese art and Chinese in Thailand. Ancient City.
Prayur, U. (2017). Evolution of Thai patterns (5th revised ed.). Ancient City.
Santi, L. (2007). Sino-Thai relations are interwoven in patterns. Ancient City.
Shuwen, L. (2022). The peony is a Chinese auspicious flower in Thai art. Journal of Art Burapha, 23(1), 52-66.
Somphop, J. (2018). Thai patterns, lines. Vad Silp.
Zhang, L. (2014). Comparative study on Buddhist culture and education between China and Thailand. Doctoral dissertation, Guangxi University for Nationalities.
Zhang, X. (2005). The development and source of ancient Chinese plant decorative patterns. Doctoral dissertation, Soochow University.
Zhao, H.K. (1982) A Dictionary of the Families and Genera of Chinese Seed Plants. 2nd Edition, Science Publishing House, Beijing.