Our home, our heritage
Cutting-edge arts and crafts go on show this week in "Identity of Siam"
POPULAR EXPO “Identity of Siam” returns to the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre on Bangkok’s New Ratchadaphisek Road from tomorrow to Sunday and this year has “Thai Wisdom, True Treasure” as its theme.
Organised by the Support Arts and Crafts International Centre of Thailand (Sacict), this exhibition demonstrates the valuable craftsmanship throughout the land and offers a rare opportunity for visitors to the Kingdom to learn about its amazing heritage all under one roof.
Niwet Waewsamana, traditional puppeteer
“As a state agency, Sacict is responsible for the promotion, encouragement and development of Thailand’s handicrafts and folk arts so that these gain recognition on both the domestic and international markets. Sacict is also always seeking an expansion of opportunities and market channels for these unique crafts,” Amparwon Pichalai, Sacict’s chief executive told the recent press conference.
“As one of annual events held by Sacict, the ‘Identity of Siam’ aims to foster a sense of belonging in Thai handicrafts for Thai people to pass on to next generations. The essence of the exhibition includes knowledge on Thai handicrafts, ranging from the past until present, which has been preserved by Thailand’s master artisans, master craftsmen and craftsmanship descendants as well as enthusiastic learners.
Phiya Sawanpruk, Pha La Nging master
“The exhibition also honours the royal grace of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit for her leadership in creating opportunities for people across Thailand to turn traditional crafting skills into occupations. As can be seen in the expo, the vision of the Queen has successfully encouraged Thais to transform the value and beauty of handicrafts into life crafts.”
Designed to be bigger and better than earlier editions, the exhibition features Thailand’s pinnacle of artisanal wisdom from all over the country in a showcase and sale at more than 150 booths in three key zones.
The Masters Gallery features an exhibition and sale of craftworks made by Thailand’s top 25 master artisans, master craftsmen and craftsmanship descendants of 2018. An exhibition on the sidelines promotes the heritage of these works of art and the inspiration and conceptual ideas behind them. More than 30 artworks considered the best of the past year will be on show.
Samrerng Daengnaewnoi, wood-carving master
Over at the Artisan’s Workshop, visitors can join workshops led by Thailand’s master artisans, master craftsmen and craftsmanship descendants. Three sessions will be held daily, more if demand exceeds capacity.
The Craftsmenship Collections, meanwhile, offer artworks made by Thailand’s master artisans, master craftsmen and craftsmanship descendants spread across more than 150 booths. This zone is divided into four selling groups: Roenglom Hansa for traditional games, Nang Talung for folk musical instruments, Pusa Thara for fabrics, Pandin Thong covering gold plate and silverware, and Plearn Plai featuring wood works, rattan, and basketry.
Somchai Champalee, traditional Thai music master
Nine outstanding craftworks were showcased during the Identity of Siam press conference: Kong Luang embroidered cloth, Thai Leu cloth, Pha La Nging cloth, gold niello and silver nieillo, inlay gold, puzzle ring, wood carving, puppets, Sukhothai silverware and traditional Thai musical instruments.
Respected wood engraver Samrerng Daengnaewnoi, whose unique work has appeared on the royal urns of many royal family members, was joined on stage by Phiya Sawanpruk, who revived the Pha La Nging fabric that had vanished for a century and Chukiat Niam-ton, maker of the “puzzle ring”, while Kornkan “Arm” Sutthisoses performed a “Human Puppet” show.
IT’S WHO WE ARE
>. The ninth Identity of Siam expo will be held at ballroom, reception hall and conference room 1-2 of Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre from tomorrow to Sunday between 10am and 8pm.
>. Find out more by calling 1289, or visit www.Sacict.or.th and Facebook.com/sacict.