Transforming Design Motifs of the Textiles Depicted in the Buddhist Temple Murals into Handwoven Textile Designs
摘要
This chapter investigates the introduction of new techniques in handwoven textiles with new design motifs inspired by the printed textiles worn by the royals and elite, illustrated in the Southern School of Buddhist temple murals of Sri Lanka. The study focuses on reflecting the richness of colour combinations and patterns of textiles depicted in the mural paintings, enhancing cultural preservation and promotion. The research uses a qualitative approach, combining traditional handweaving practices with contemporary textile technologies to document and preserve the paintings. The research delves into over 100 textile motifs from Southern Buddhist temple murals. Floral motifs were documented using high-resolution imaging and hand sketches. These designs were adapted for textiles, focusing on scale and colour fidelity challenges. Innovative techniques were explored to replicate the intricate mural patterns, including hand warp printing and supplementary weft methods. The textiles are evaluated for authenticity, durability, and aesthetic appeal. This research transforms transient design motifs into durable textiles to preserve and promote Sri Lankan cultural heritage. It demonstrates how traditional craftsmanship can be innovatively combined with novel weaving techniques, highlighting the importance of translating temple mural motifs into textile designs for cultural preservation.