Lavish praise for exhibition of Thai art

Lavish praise for exhibition of Thai art
The fifth Arts of Kingdom exhibition has won praise from Her Majesty the Queen, who presided at its opening yesterday.

Published on December 19, 2007

Her Majesty viewed the exhibition and declared she was pleased at the work on display. The exhibition is put on by the Support Foundation and features impeccable craftsmanship by royal artisans.

"It's amazing to see such beautiful work made by our farmers. I'd love to see these works displayed in a museum so future generations can

learn about our culture," she said.

The exhibition, at the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall at Dusit Palace, is dedicated to His Majesty the King's 60 years on the throne and his 80th birthday.

It is open to the public until January 13.

International diplomats attending yesterday were delighted to witness Thailand's rich culture.

Hungarian Ambassador Andra Baloh said the works were fascinating. "In a time of globalisation, who would think the arts can be as traditional as the Sukhothai period? At the same time, they can also be contemporary."

Greek Ambassador Lognnis Papadopoulou said it was a great opportunity to see the works, and even more special to learn that Her Majesty had initiated the project.

Pierre Faucherand, European Commission minister-counsellor to Thailand, appreciated the exhibition for its celebration of traditions of the past and the present.

Charlotte Fraucher of Alliance Francaise was amazed to witness the preservation of traditions for future generation.

It took the foundation three years to put the exhibition together. It includes the work of 700 artisans.

Most are underprivileged people from poor and remote areas visited by Her Majesty. They were all at the opening yesterday, where they met Her Majesty.

Some items were auctioned on Saturday, raising Bt221 million. These items included lipao baskets, gold accessories decorated with diamonds, silver and gold niello ware and a praewa silk shawl embroidered with gems.

There is a showcase of exceptional works from the foundation's training centre at Chitralada Palace. Ten new masterpieces, exclusively created for this year's event, include the Golden Pudtan Throne, the Golden Royal Palanquin, a model of the royal barge Suphannahongse, cloth partition screens embroidered with mythical scenes and a carved half-dragon-half-horse inlaid with precious stones.

There is a fair where creations can be purchased at the Suan Amporn Hall. Products range from fabrics to bags.

A special edition set of postage stamps features the Busabok Mala Grand Throne, sappagab phragajatarn and the Suphannahongse and Anantanakharaj royal barges.

The exhibition is open between 10am and 6pm. The entrance fee is Bt100, and Bt50 for students in uniform. Visitors are requested to dress conservatively and women asked to wear a dress or skirt. Photography is not permitted.

All proceeds go to the Support Foundation.

Kupluthai Pungkanon

The Nation