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Arts & Communication Visual decoding: Buddhist image houses

Kolaya, along with various types of flowers and fruit-
bearing trees. These motifs effectively manage surface
shapes and residual spaces left by the main wall paintings,
transcending the paintings in color, shape, and size.
The objective role is exemplified when decorative
motifs carry any symbolic meaning. For instance, when the
Punkalasa is employed as a decorative motif, the viewer’s
visual perception extends beyond mere esthetics to cultural
symbolism. The Punkalasa and Dakshinavarti (blowable)
sankaya (right-hand conch) in this context are perceived
as cultural utilities, symbolizing auspiciousness, Buddhist
religious symbols (holy symbols), or serving as a positive
omen, particularly. It is noteworthy that decorative motifs
portraying the Eternal Tree and astrological symbols often
assume a significant visual presence, surpassing the scale
of motifs serving a supportive role. This prominence
underscores their heightened importance in the visual
Figure 3. The bunch of flowers with leaves serve to separate different narrative, contributing to the overall symbolic richness of
commentaries within the painting. Note: Descriptions for the highlighted the Buddhist image house.
images can be referred to in Table 1. Location: Nagolla, North Western
Province, Sri Lanka. Photo credit: K.H.J. Manaram. In the context of Buddhist image houses, the
utilization of the Eternal Tree as a decorative motif carries
profound connotations of auspiciousness and well wishes.
The specific types of decorative motifs employed Symbolizing perpetuity and enduring positive energies,
for these roles can be identified. Notably, motifs such as the Eternal Tree transcends mere visual representation
Wetakae, Ehela, Nelum, Sapu, Kadupul, and Naga decorative to convey a deeper layer of significance within the sacred
motifs have predominantly served supportive functions. space. In addition, the inclusion of astrological symbols as
Understanding and recognizing these motifs contribute decorative motifs introduces a dimension of omens for life.
to a more nuanced comprehension of the viewer’s correct Reflecting celestial influences, these symbols imbue the
visual perception and the emotional impact they exert. sacred environment with astrological significance, shaping
These decorative motifs appear to wield a genuinely artistic perceptions of life events and their auspicious implications.
influence on the viewer. The viewer recognizes that the tree depicted in Figure 4
6.2. Objective role of decorative motifs does not directly relate to the figure of the person or
elements within the image frame but functions as an esthetic
The objective role of decorative motifs entails crafting filler, serving the role of the “flowery tree,” “vine,” or “leaves”
aesthetically pleasing designs characterized by impartiality decorative motifs frame (Figure 4; decorative motifs 4s/5e).
and harmonious balance for visual enjoyment. When This motif, if omitted, would disrupt the viewer’s visual flow
society attributes symbolic meaning to a decorative motif, and cognitive balance. A total of 83% of the entire sample
its utilization categorically aligns with this role. In the realm population demonstrated perceptual awareness, discerning
of Buddhist image houses, decorative motifs play a crucial that the tree (depicted in Figure 4 as decorative motif 5s)
objective role, evident in their widespread presence across played an objective role in enhancing overall comprehension
various sacred spaces. Carefully integrated by artists, these and visual balance. It is customary in any country not to
motifs contribute to the creation of visually distinctive and leave empty spaces in Buddhist statuary house paintings.
harmonious temple surfaces, characterized by a unique Therefore, different styles of decorative motifs automatically
blend of asymmetry and symmetry. assume specific roles based on their placement.
One prominent aspect of this objective role is the Moreover, image houses adorned with decorative
utilization of decorative motifs to achieve rhythmic motifs serving this role exhibit heightened visual appeal,
formations within a Buddhist image house, tailored captivating the viewer’s aesthetic sensibilities. These
to enhance the functionality of the space. Among the designated motifs boast a design clarity that facilitates
frequently employed motifs for this purpose are the Binara immediate comprehension and marks the limitation
flower, diverse lotus flower shapes, the Narilatha flower, of the main pictorial program for the viewer. Notably,
as well as the Geta Kolaya, Wakutu Kolaya, and Liyapath border designs (wati mosthara) serve as prime examples

Volume 2 Issue 2 (2024) 8 doi: 10.36922/ac.2373