| Take a look around any Province in Thailand and you | | | | create such intricate works of art were passed down |
| will inevitably find a vast array of art and craft work. | | | | through the generations. These skills are evident in the |
| At first glance you may not think that there is any | | | | silverware, ceramics, carvings, silks and paintings that |
| connection between the shapes and designs used in | | | | are available today. |
| the carvings, silverware, ceramics, silks and paintings, | | | | One such example is found in the geometrically |
| but if you look a little closer, you will soon discover that | | | | decorated, hand painted bone china, Benjarong. Legend |
| the whole cultural history of Thailand is laid out before | | | | has it that this highly ornamented form of pottery was |
| your very eyes. | | | | introduced to Thailand by a Chinese princess who |
| Although Thai culture has had many influences including | | | | married into the Thai Royal family sometime during |
| those from countries such as India and China, the real | | | | China's Ming dynasty (1368 - 1644). Meaning 'five |
| roots of Thailand's art history are deeply imbedded in | | | | colors', Benjarong was traditionally painted in the five |
| Buddhism. Thai-Buddhist's strive for harmony and | | | | colors: red, white, green, yellow and blue. However, |
| serenity, and this is clearly represented throughout their | | | | today Benjarong is decorated using a more elaborate |
| artwork. Stemming back thousands of years, | | | | palate, which also includes 18 carat gold. |
| Thailand's traditional art began when Buddhism first | | | | The Thai people are rightly proud of their cultural |
| reached the country. Its followers decorated the walls | | | | heritage. Throughout history the Thai Royal family |
| and ceilings of the monasteries and temples (wats) | | | | have supported the arts and crafts movement of their |
| with murals depicting Buddhist customs and rituals | | | | country. The current reigning Monarchs are particularly |
| together with scenes from their everyday life. | | | | strong patrons of the arts, with Her Majesty Queen |
| The Thai-Buddhist style incorporates many symbols | | | | Sirikit establishing the SUPPORT Foundation in 1976, in |
| and patterns that have special religious significance. | | | | order to help preserve Thailand's cultural heritage. The |
| However, unlike other Buddhist imagery, Thai-Buddhist | | | | SUPPORT Foundation provides vocational training to |
| art is pared down to its simplest form to ensure that it | | | | the residents of rural communities throughout Thailand |
| does not to detract from the Buddhist message. Here, | | | | and enables them to develop and maintain the skills |
| perspective is not important, as the figures depicted | | | | and techniques of the ancient master craftsmen and |
| are shown larger or smaller, depending upon their | | | | women. |
| status. The end result is a highly stylized yet effortless | | | | Today, the popularity of much of Thailand's art and |
| form of narrative. Examples of which can still be found | | | | craft is growing thanks to the Western world's love of |
| on the walls and ceilings of wats throughout Thailand | | | | contemporary interior design. The contemporary style |
| today, and in particular in Wat Suthat in Bangkok and | | | | favors clean lines and a sleek look that has strong |
| Wat Suwannaram in Thon Buri. | | | | echoes in Buddhist philosophy. The simple, graceful |
| Together with imagery of the Buddha, Thai art also | | | | shapes and delicate patterns found in Thai art and |
| includes representations of monks, as well as demons | | | | craft are timeless, therefore traditional Thai designs |
| or Kinnaras and Kinnarees (beings that are half human | | | | have managed to find a niche within a contemporary |
| and half bird) and other mythical creatures. Throughout, | | | | market. Thai art and craft is therefore unique, as in no |
| intricate patterns are used as decoration and often | | | | other time has traditional, cultural designs been able to |
| incorporate symbols and motifs that are found in | | | | work in harmony within another design style. Each |
| nature such as the lotus flower, the orchid, butterflies, | | | | piece has an effortless, uncomplicated feel that |
| birds and rice. | | | | comfortably fits within a contemporary setting. It's |
| Buddhism venerates tradition and respect for the past | | | | therefore easy to see why the traditional art and craft |
| as well as the future. Therefore, alongside Buddhist | | | | work of Thailand has become such a popular addition |
| teachings, the traditional skills and expertise used to | | | | to many modern homes. |