Wat Phuak Taem () is a Buddhist temple in Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang Mai district, Chiang Mai province, Thailand. It is located within the historic walled city of Chiang Mai.

History

The exact date of the temple's foundation is unknown. A local account gives 1917 as a probable date of construction based on archaeological objects found at the temple, while another research publication gives 1923.

The temple is part of the Phuak Taem community, whose history is connected with the revival of Chiang Mai under King Kawila in the late 18th century. The community included metalworkers who settled inside the old city and produced traditional Lanna metalwork.

The name Phuak Taem has been explained in connection with traditional craftsmen. Phuak was used for a low-ranking noble or village head, while taem referred to painting or decorative work. Another explanation recorded in research on the community is that the temple was formerly called Wat Tong Taem, with tong referring to carving or piercing designs, before the name changed to Wat Phuak Taem.

Architecture

The temple has a chedi, a vihara and an ubosot. The chedi has features influenced by Burmese architecture. In particular, the section from the bell-shaped body to the finial has a distinctly Burmese form. The chedi has also been restored and decorated with Burmese-style designs.

The vihara is in the Lanna style. Its roof has several tiers, with a projecting porch over the naga stairway. The gable is decorated with carved and gilded wooden designs.

The ubosot was built in 1943 and restored in 1990.

Buddha image inscription

A bronze inscription at Wat Phuak Taem is dated to 1932. It is written in Lanna script and contains Sanskrit, Pali and Thai. The inscription is on the base of a reclining Buddha image and records its casting.

The inscription names Phra Aphai Sarathanaphisi Burachan, the chief monk of Chiang Mai, Phra Khru Wichian Panya, Phra Khattiya, the abbot of Wat Phuak Taem, Khun Boriban and other devotees as participants in the casting of the image. It also records the name of the craftsman who cast the image and Bua Cham, who built a temporary vihara for the image.

Craft tradition

The Phuak Taem community has a tradition of Lanna metalwork known as khua tong. The craft involves cutting, piercing and decorating metal sheets to produce objects used in Buddhist and ceremonial settings.

The craft tradition has continued at Wat Phuak Taem, where monks and local artisans have worked to pass on the techniques. The temple has also been used as a place for producing ceremonial umbrellas and other religious objects.

References