| All images © The Support Foundation of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit of Thailand |
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Silver and Gold
The art of creating silver and gold ware requires highly skilled craftsmanship. Once the mould has been created, the artisan will patiently chisel a pattern and apply other decorations as conceptualised. Delicate silver and gold pieces or strands are also used to create an exceptional design. |
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Golden Nielloware
Gold Nielloware is a unique art which first emerged in the early Ayutthaya period. The technique was revived during the Rattanakosin era and remains very popular today. A silver sheet is beaten into the desired shape then carved with traditional designs on the surface with tools, or drawn and soaked in acid to form indentations. The black niello powder – a mixture of lead, copper and silver, is pressed tightly into the carved design. The piece is heated to fuse the niello, then sanded down to produce a smooth surface. Lastly, the piece is highlighted by gold gilding and heated once again until the mercury evaporates. The gleaming gold attaches to the silver parts only, contrasting beautifully with the black niello design. |
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Khram Damascene ware
Khram or Damascene ware is the inlay of silver or gold strands on steel. Designs are drawn in lines on the rough surface, known as criss-cross steel lines. Silver or gold strands are hammered into these lines, then held tightly by tiny spikes, thereby creating a unique design. |
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Enamel
The enamel technique is used on gold, silver or copper creations. The design must be raised to a certain height in order that enamelling can be effectively applied. The surface is scraped, heated and soaked in acid. After a thorough cleansing with distilled water, the colours are applied and then baked in a kiln. |
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Malaeng Thap Beetle Wing Collage
The luminous deep blue/green hues, the distinctive feature of Malaeng Thap beetle wings, add an alluring dimension to all crafts embellished with this material. To retain its vibrant colour, wings, collected from beetles that have died of natural causes, undergo an elaborate preparation process. They are then woven into Yan Lipao vines or used to decorate wood carvings or items of silver. |
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Silk weaving
Thai Silk is renowned worldwide. The finest quality silk is available in a range of vibrant colours and glows with a natural lustrous beauty. The age-old art and heritage of silk weaving is handed down from generation to generation. Each region presents its own traditional designs together with innovative and exciting contemporary creations. |
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Mudmee Silk
Mudmee Silk is a speciality of the Northeastern region of Thailand or Isaan. The weaving technique is a closely guarded secret with each family handing down the legacy through the years. Silk threads are tied then dyed in specific colours — a laborious process that can take up to five sessions or more to achieve the required effect. The woven result is a unique blend of subtle colours, pleasing texture and graceful design. |
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Pha Jok Silk
Pha Jok silk is another woven masterpiece from the Lao Puan tribe in the northeast. The intricate weaving process is combined simultaneously with hand embroidery on a narrow piece of silk or cotton. Pha Jok silk is often used as a border for the traditional Thai-style tube skirt or sarong. |
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Prae Wa silk
Praewa silk is a speciality for the Phu Tai tribe in Kalasin province. It is worn as a shawl wrapped around one shoulder over the traditional outfit. The weaving process is combined with hand embroidery to achieve a delicate blend of colours and alternating designs. A work of art would be a piece woven with 10 different designs or more. |
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Brocade and Lai Khit Silk
Her Majesty the Queen is well aware of the importance in the preservation of different weaving styles and has encouraged textile weavers in each of the regions of Thailand to promote and preserve techniques and skills indigenous to the region. For example, cotton woven with the Dok Pikun floral motif characteristic of Southern Thailand; brocade silk with exquisite embossed designs of Northern Thailand; Isaan-style Lai Khit motifs; and Pha Jok of the central region. |
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Yan Lipao basketry
Yan Lipao is a type of vine commonly found in Southern Thailand. The vines are strong yet supple and are most suitable to weave into baskets and other decorative items. Popular since the early Rattanakosin period, Yan Lipao basketry was later developed during the reign of Rama V into prized collectibles such as betel nut set decorated with gold, silver, copper and even ivory. This delicate process, from preparation to completion requires skill, determination and enduring patience. |
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Traditional Designs
Traditional designs are exquisite with flowing lines and impressive drawings, which are the basis of Thai culture and traditions handed down through generations. The ancient art is faithfully replicated with innovative touches for appropriate modern use. |
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Embroidery
Embroidery is a graceful handiwork requiring expert skills and imaginative choice of silk threads to create colourful harmony. Legendary scenes and traditional designs are much admired for their detailed work and artistic craftsmanship. |
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Wood carving
Woodcarving is divided into two categories — the standard raised design or the floating technique in which the intricate carvings are suspended and held in place with wires to create a mobile illusion. |
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Handcrafted shadow puppets
Shadow puppetry, a traditional form of entertainment, is now a rare spectacle but can still be found in some provinces. Shadow puppets comprising legendary and modern characters are crafted from processed animal skin. |
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Dolls crafted from Ivorywood (Mai Mok Man)
The dolls are carved in a free-form style on fine-grain soft ivorywood, so named because of its soft ivory colour. The carvers must have excellent knowledge of the human anatomy in order to impart a lifelike appearance and character to their handcrafted creations. |
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Pottery
Pottery embodies the creative inspiration of the artist. Its special and distinctive shape becomes a work of art. |
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Soapstone Carving
Soapstone is readily available in Thailand and is very conducive to carving — its texture is neither too hard nor brittle. Additionally, the soapstone is colourful and has a natural glow. Soapstone carvers must be skilled in traditional designs and also clay modelling. They first experiment with clay before drawing the actual designs on soapstone. |
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Artificial flowers
Some flowers are in bloom for only a short season. Artificial flowers make it possible for us to enjoy this floral beauty all year round. Delightfully realistic in their shape and colouring, artificial flowers handcrafted by the skilled artisans of the SUPPORT Foundation are in much demand as popular decorative items. |
| All images © The Support Foundation of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit of Thailand |
