TEMPLE OF THE EMERALD BUDDHA

Bangkok, Thailand

The Grand Palace has been the home of Kings of Siam since 1772. It covers a total area of 234 acres with over 100 buildings, with 200 years of royal history and architectural evolution linked to it. The architectural style is Old Bangkok. The main temple of the Emerald Buddha was built to house the 14th century, 26-foot tall jade (not emerald) statue of Buddha, clothed in gold. The temple is elegantly decorated and similar to the temple in the ancient capital of Ayutthaya. The roof is embellished with polished orange and green tiles, and the pillars are inlaid with tile mosaic. The pediments are made of rich marble, installed in the 18th century. Over the years, the temple has retained its original design. However, minor improvements were done after its first erection during Rama I's reign. The wood-work of the temple was replaced by King Rama III and King Chulalongkom. During King Mongkut's reign, the elegant doors, windows and the copper plates on the floor were added,

The sketch was one of two done on a walking tour of the city, during the 2012 Rotary Convention. Son Ryan was along, but skipped the tour in favor of getting a 3-piece suit made, and a massage - two specialties of the city.