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Buddhism, patterns, pictures and puzzles

Take a look around any Province in Thailand and you will inevitably find a vast array of art and craft work. At first glance you may not think that there is any connection between the shapes and designs used in the carvings, silverware, ceramics, silks and paintings, but if you look a little closer, you will soon discover that the whole cultural history of Thailand is laid out before your very eyes.

Although Thai culture has had many influences including those from countries such as India and China, the real roots of Thailand's art history are deeply imbedded in Buddhism. Thai-Buddhist's strive for harmony and serenity, and this is clearly represented throughout their artwork. Stemming back thousands of years, Thailand's traditional art began when Buddhism first reached the country. Its followers decorated the walls and ceilings of the monasteries and temples (wats) with murals depicting Buddhist customs and rituals together with scenes from their everyday life.

The Thai-Buddhist style incorporates many symbols and patterns that have special religious significance. However, unlike other Buddhist imagery, Thai-Buddhist art is pared down to its simplest form to ensure that it does not to detract from the Buddhist message. Here, perspective is not important, as the figures depicted are shown larger or smaller, depending upon their status. The end result is a highly stylized yet effortless form of narrative. Examples of which can still be found on the walls and ceilings of wats throughout Thailand today, and in particular in Wat Suthat in Bangkok and Wat Suwannaram in Thon Buri.

Together with imagery of the Buddha, Thai art also includes representations of monks, as well as demons or Kinnaras and Kinnarees (beings that are half human and half bird) and other mythical creatures. Throughout, intricate patterns are used as decoration and often incorporate symbols and motifs that are found in nature such as the lotus flower, the orchid, butterflies, birds and rice.

Buddhism venerates tradition and respect for the past as well as the future. Therefore, alongside Buddhist teachings, the traditional skills and expertise used to create such intricate works of art were passed down through the generations. These skills are evident in the silverware, ceramics, carvings, silks and paintings that are available today.

One such example is found in the geometrically decorated, hand painted bone china, Benjarong. Legend has it that this highly ornamented form of pottery was introduced to Thailand by a Chinese princess who married into the Thai Royal family sometime during China's Ming dynasty (1368 – 1644). Meaning ‘five colors', Benjarong was traditionally painted in the five colors: red, white, green, yellow and blue. However, today Benjarong is decorated using a more elaborate palate, which also includes 18 carat gold.

The Thai people are rightly proud of their cultural heritage. Throughout history the Thai Royal family have supported the arts and crafts movement of their country. The current reigning Monarchs are particularly strong patrons of the arts, with Her Majesty Queen Sirikit establishing the SUPPORT Foundation in 1976, in order to help preserve Thailand's cultural heritage. The SUPPORT Foundation provides vocational training to the residents of rural communities throughout Thailand and enables them to develop and maintain the skills and techniques of the ancient master craftsmen and women.

Today, the popularity of much of Thailand's art and craft is growing thanks to the Western world's love of contemporary interior design. The contemporary style favors clean lines and a sleek look that has strong echoes in Buddhist philosophy. The simple, graceful shapes and delicate patterns found in Thai art and craft are timeless, therefore traditional Thai designs have managed to find a niche within a contemporary market. Thai art and craft is therefore unique, as in no other time has traditional, cultural designs been able to work in harmony within another design style. Each piece has an effortless, uncomplicated feel that comfortably fits within a contemporary setting. It's therefore easy to see why the traditional art and craft work of Thailand has become such a popular addition to many modern homes.

Article written by Christine Oatley. Copyright 2008 Asia Products LLC. Christopher Snyder is the Managing Director of Asia Products LLC. Living in Bangkok, Thailand, Christopher sells interesting products from the art and artisans of Thailand on his website: www.asiaproductsllc.com and sells Hand painted Benjarong and Fine Bone China from Thailand at: www.asiaproductsllc.com/benjarong.html.