Thesis entitled ‘A Philosophical Analysis on the Nan’s Arts: A Case Study of Wat Phumin’s Vihara, Nan Province’ is of two objectives as 1) to explore the historical background of Nan’s arts and Wat Phumin’s Vihara and 2) to make the philosophical analysis on the Wat Phumin’s Vihara.

Regarding the Nan’s arts, it was the creation of the arts in Nan city located in the northern region. It is unique and the identity of Nan people. They create them for beauty and pleasure, which has resulted in the art creation and the beauty of Wat Phumin. It is a tetrahedron building that combines the ordination hall, Vihara, and pagoda in the same building. It was carved by the Lanna craftsmen represented the life and culture of the past, according to the Nan chronicles. This temple was built in 2139 by Prince Jetabutara Phrommin based on the Buddhist cosmology.

Inside the Wat Phumin’s Vihara, it shows the mural painting on the Jataka’s stories and the Folk life in the past.

The analysis of aesthetic concepts, it shows the beauty of art painting in Nan style, which the beauty can be appreciated and perceived by everyone. Regarding the ethical concept, the mural painting shows the wholesomeness through the Jataka stories viz. the Kamma, Devata, Human beings, Round of Rebirth and gratitude etc.

In case of the Buddhist philosophy, it shows the history of the Buddha Candakumara and Nemiraja Jataka, which focus on the teaching of performing the good action which painters have depicted the way of life of the past.

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