Sculpted for the spa

Masterpiece by Italian artist Galileo Chini (1873–1956) are in the spotlight tonight at Siam Paragon in the exhibition “Galileo Chini – The Jewels of Decorations”.
The centrepieces are sculptures – architectural flourishes created for the Thermae Berzieri spa of Salsomaggiore in northern Italy. It’s regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful spa complexes. The showcase marks the very first time these creations will be displayed outside their homeland. Curated by Paola Chini, Maurizia Bonatti Bacchini and Camillo Pellegatta, the exhibition is organised as part of this year’s Italian Festival in Bangkok.
King Rama V commissioned Chini to paint the fresco inside the dome of the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall. Chini, who played a major role in the Art Nouveau movement, lived in Siam until the reign of King Rama VI.
The show aims to celebrate friendship between Italy and Thiland, which has lasted for more than 145 years.
Italian Ambassador Michelangelo Pipan will preside over tonight’s opening. Vieri Chini, a grandson of Chini’s and a designer in charge of the production of artworks at Chini’s ceramic company in Borgo San Lorenzo, Florence, will also join the event.
On display will be 26 Liberty-style decorative sculptures dating back to the early 1920s. They were discovered by chance a few years ago in the spa’s basement. Each is unique and even though these decorations are more than 90 years old, they are still in pristine condition.
The sculptures were designed by Chini and realised by the craftsmen of Borgo San Lorenzo at the company founded by Galileo and his cousin Chini near Florence to produce high quality artworks.
The sculptures were designed as decorative items both for the interior and exterior design of the spa. Most were made from stoneware, a material that offers great strength. There are also several Majolica pieces – a type of pottery unique to Italy.
Several decorated with pure gold. The main colours of these artworks are gold, signifying luxury and wealth, and blue, representing water.
Galileo was commissioned to design the decorative items for this spa upon his return from Siam, which helps explain why these sculptures were clearly influenced by the Orient. The circular motifs throughout the spa are believed to represent the movement of spring water and the many canals of old Bangkok. Other designs were inspired by nature, such as flowers and pine nuts.
During the 1900s, the spa was a very popular health destination in Europe. Thanks to its therapeutic spring water, Salsomaggiore became a famous spa town with many complexes.
The Thermae Berzieri was built in 1923 and remains one of the most luxurious and celebrated spas in Europe, acknowledged for its decorative beauty.
As a tribute to Chini, the exhibition will also feature jewellery designed by Italian brand Casato, which takes its inspiration from the decoration at the spa. The silver, gold and diamond sets consist of rings, pendants and earrings.
Maitree Siriboon, a Thai artist from Ubon Ratchathani, will exhibit a glass mosaic based on a decorative majolica panel designed by Chini in 1920. This talented young artist has exhibited internationally, in France, Italy, UK, Japan, South Korea, China, Brazil, Singapore, Malaysia and Laos.

THERMAE TREASURES
 “Galileo Chini: The Jewels of Decorations” opens at 6 tonight in the Lifestyle Hall on the second floor of Siam Paragon. The show runs until September 29. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 610 8000.