Thai art is the visual manifestation of Buddhist concepts and has developed over time while remaining true to its essence.
Thai traditional paintings often depict stories related to Buddhism; others depicted actual environments of their time or depicting people with various emotions such as kings and their subjects as well as ordinary citizens with differing feelings or reactions.
Buddha Images
Since ancient times, Buddha images have been an integral part of Thai Buddhist religion. Drawing upon palm-leaf manuscripts and inscriptions that had never before been translated into English, this book explores their importance within society and history beyond monastery walls.
One of the defining characteristics of Thai Buddhist art is its symmetry and grace. An elongated flame aureole suggests the image’s role as a light-bringer; hand gestures (mudra) convey specific messages or teachings – such as when the seated Buddha touches earth to summon its spiritual forces for witnessing their enlightenment.
Lopburi images from the 11th century are distinguished by large earlobes and an exaggerated sense of proportion, particularly in their faces. Mudras depicted in various poses include those symbolizing inner wisdom such as the “svasti” Buddha sitting resignedly while offering alms to followers; standing and offering alms directly; protecting themselves against an arrogant giant; and resting after having conquered their illness.
Paintings
Thai painting has an extensive tradition and comes in various forms. These include murals painted on temple walls and decorative ornamentation on kor song (the upper portion of sidewall pavilions), large cloth banners for temples, manuscript illumination and manuscript illumination works related to Buddhist scriptures, philosophy and cosmology.
Paintings not only reflect Thai life and their beliefs, particularly Buddhism, they also exemplify them. This can be seen through hierarchies of figures as well as “bun koon”, the Buddhist concept for having a “cool heart”, which are depicted frequently. You will also see depictions of Buddha himself or celestial princesses such as Kinnari which has human features below the waist but birdlike qualities above it.
Chitralada provides training and workshops in traditional art and handicraft to rural artisans from throughout Thailand. Their work is then displayed at outlets in Bangkok and other major cities and proceeds directed back into maintaining Chitralada – helping bolster incomes while keeping vital traditions alive.
Sculpture
Sculpture is an art form involving the transformation of hard and plastic materials into three-dimensional works. They may take the form of freestanding objects, reliefs on surfaces or part of an environment surrounding a spectator; and may be created using carving, molding, casting, welding, sewing and assembly techniques across a range of media.
Sculpture can be a powerful medium for teaching, expressing religious beliefs and conveying moral lessons. Unlike painting, sculpture has physicality that appeals to both tactile and visual senses, and one of few forms of art that even blind people can produce and appreciate.
Thai sculpture was often religious in nature, depicting Buddha and other deities. Other subjects often explored included Ramakian and Jataka stories; episodes from Buddha’s life; Buddhist heavens and hells; as well as carving and sculpturing in wood, stone and other materials such as Baan Tawai craft village’s famous woodcarvings which displayed intricate designs with beautiful intricacies that left viewers impressed with both beauty and complexity.
Ceramics
Ceramic art has long been an integral part of Thai history. Ceramic sculptures often depict mythical animals, deities and folklore; its motifs tend to be predominantly Thai but occasionally Chinese patterns appear, particularly on Sangkhalok ceramics from the 15th century.
Sangkhalok ceramics were produced at kilns located north of Sukhothai’s city wall and featured white-glazed or underglazed designs with black detail. Another group of kilns were known for producing Phan ware that is similar in shape to Sangkhalok pieces – it has been speculated that these were produced for local market sale.
Kalong Kiln pottery is distinguished by the quality and style of its clay production and decoration style, including back-to-back fish scenes that recall Chinese Yin-yang imagery on dishes, cups, plates and jars made by these kilns. High neck bottles also made of stoneware feature distinctive iron red glaze and feature dynamic plant motif patterned patterns painted dynamically onto them.
Metalwork
Metalwork is an integral part of Thai culture and includes activities such as hammering, casting, shaping and milling – skills used in many different ways to craft various Thai sculptures.
Although modern methods have become standard in art, Thai artists continue to employ age-old methods of creating traditional bronze and silver works which can often be seen at Thai markets or craftsman shops.
Archaeological research has uncovered evidence of an early bronze metallurgical tradition in Thailand dating back to at least the fourth millennium B.C. Excavations at Ban Chiang have yielded metal objects ranging from ornaments to weapons as well as crucibles and moulds that suggest this practice existed centuries earlier than expected.
These findings indicate that ancient bronze metallurgy was an intricate process requiring considerable experimentation, thus necessitating further archaeometallurgical investigations of Thai metalwork to gain more insight into how these technologies emerged and were utilized in Southeast Asia. Archaeology and metallurgy are currently working collaboratively in reconstructing this lost technology to better understand its history in Southeast Asia.
Khon Masks
An exceptional opportunity to work with an established master of their craft.
Khon Masks are worn as part of the costumes worn by performers of Thai classical dance-drama khon, which is inspired by Ramakien – Thailand’s version of Indian epic Ramayana. A typical show features acting, dancing, singing, music acrobatics and costume elements – actors wear masks of different shapes and colors that reflect character descriptions from Ramakien; these masks adorn actors classified as phra (lords), nang (ladies), yak (ogres), and ling (monkeys); although masks were once donned by all actors today only these three categories do so today.
Prateep Rodpai, one of Thailand’s last renowned mask-makers, endured severe flooding in his shop as part of the COVID-19 pandemic, yet managed to save all his tools and photographs from being submerged under water. Although currently facing challenges from climate change, mask-making will survive.
Bamboo Flute
Bamboo flutes have long been an integral component of Thai music. Their music creates an ethereal and soothing tone; serving as a reminder that perseverance remains alive among its makers.
First step in crafting a bamboo flute is selecting the appropriate piece of bamboo, depending on your key of choice, select one at least 14 inches (355mm).
Once selected, bamboo must be cleaned by rubbing against sandpaper to smooth its surface and then drilled according to precise measurements and spacing; finger holes and blow holes have a significant influence on the sound produced by flutes and must be located precisely for maximum effectiveness.
Next, mark the location of the blow hole (embouchure). To do this, choose one node at either end of your bamboo and measure 20mm (0.78 inches) up from it to mark its location – this will become the mouthpiece.
Bronzeware
Thai bronzeware is an emblematic part of its rich cultural legacy. From bells to tripodal cauldrons crafted of bronze or copper-tin-lead alloy, Thai utensils demonstrate both creativity and skills that have been nurtured over generations by people committed to art.
Thai art had historically been heavily influenced by Indian and Hindu traditions introduced into Thailand during the Sukhothai (1238-1438) and Ayuthaya (1350-1767) periods; however, royal courts supported and encouraged a uniquely Thai aesthetic to emerge. Following Burmese destruction of much of Thailand’s cultural heritage in 1767, three Chakri kings dedicated themselves to salvaging, renewing, and reinvigorating old traditions.
Crafts are an integral part of Thai life and reflect its exquisite folk culture. Rattan, wicker and coconuts provide raw materials for handicraft industries while religious influences manifest themselves through vibrant gold, colored and mirror art that honor Thailand’s majestic temples.