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Chinese Ballast



Chinese Ballast, or Chinese rock giants, is another charm of Wat Pho. Some giant statues found as gate guardians. And others found in Khao Mor were ballasts from the ancient naval trade from China. Later on, these ballasts were utilised for decoration in many places of this monastery. 

Lan Than or Rock Giants with weapons represent noble warriors in Chinese opera-style garment. The one with a looking down fierce-face, holding a weapon in one hand and wearing a tight suite of armor, can be found as gate guardians. They were both high-ranking soldiers and warlord.

Chinese Giants in European Clothes represents as Marco Polo, the first European who visited and introduced European tradition to China. There are 4 pairs of Marco Polo. 

Political Nobleman is smiling-face rock statues wearing a folded-end top hat, holding a book in one hand while another is on his beard in contemplating gesture. He wears a long cloak and shoes in which implying as an aristocrat.

Chinese Monk is a happy and calm-face figure in a long cloak and shoes, and wearing a string of beads on his neck.

Philosopher is a good-humoured statue wearing a folded-end top hat. Looking like a young knowledgeable aristocrat, but without beard, he also wears a long cloak and shoes, and holds a fan or a book in one hand.

Civil or Workman is normally a long-bearded old man, wearing a straw hat and holding some tools in one hand, such as a net or a hoe. 

Chinese Ladies can be found in many hairstyles, putting-up or covered with silk cloth. Their dresses are long cloaks and shoes.

Lion Mouthing a Ball is a decoration beside stairs at the outer side of Pra Rabiang. You can roll the ball in their open mouths too. If you are observant enough, there are both lions and lionesses. The lioness has a small cub at her chest or at her feet, whereas the lion is holding a ball, a globe, or other auspicious items according to Chinese belief.

These Chinese Figures, both in human and animals such as horses and cows, decorating in courtyards and all Khaomors not only show the Chinese craftsmanship but also imply the folklore in all works.


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