Arts of the Kingdom: a stunning exhibition at Ananta Samakhom

If you want to see how traditional Thai craftsmanship is being preserved to magnificent effect, then you really should go to visit the Fifth Arts of the Kingdom (Silapa Paendin) exhibition at the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall.  It was officially opened on Tuesday 19 December by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, Patron of the Support Foundation for Arts (Mulanitee Silapacheeb), which has its base in the grounds of Chitralada Palace.

There are so many beautifully  hand-crafted pieces of work on display that are quite simply stunning in their artistry and delicacy.  And all of these pieces were made by poor people from the provinces who have been given the opportunity to come and learn traditional skills and trade with the Support Foundation. 

I was fortunate to visit the Offices of the Support Foundation a week ago to witness 20 girls working on a single large silken tapestry, featuring mystical tales that are intricately woven into Thai history and folklore.  10 girls were laying on top of the tapestry and ten others laying underneath the fabric co-ordinating the stitching perfectly with the girls above.  It was thrilling to see their painstaking labour of love, which now hangs proudly in the ornate Throne Hall of King Rama V. 

'There you will find so many other national treasures, re-created and brought to life by the skilled hands of Thailand's salt of the earth. 

On the ground floor there is a whole gallery of beautiful silken tapestries many of which were conceived and created by craftsmen and women from the southern part of Thailand, where Her Majesty the Queen oversees many development projects.  You will also find a wider selection of exhibits displaying the finest Thai fabrics and smaller beautiful items of china and silverware.

The sensation upon walking into the magnificent throne hall on the second floor is like happening upon an enchanted bygone place of beauty and elegance.  Golden and jewel encrusted thrones and a Royal palanquin lay before your waiting eyes and your minds eye may flit across scenes from yore with ancient Siamese Kings surveilling their loyal subjects.  Royal Ships have been crafted from the finest gold, delicately bowed sails intricately designed with forest scenes, peacocks nestled elegantly amongst the leaves.   You can even see an exquisite golden re-creation of the Royal Barge Suphannahongse.

Large screens, hewn from ancient teak, come alive with more scenes from Thailand's magical past.  Golden and silver urns and a long dining table cuttled in gold and adorned with fineries that would befit a King's banquet.

There is so much beauty on display at this wonderful exhibition that it can really take your breath away.  And when your eyes and senses are sated you can also buy a whole selection of gifts that you can buy as a keep sake from your visit and to support the excellent work of the Support Foundation for the Arts.

If you want to feel proud to be Thai and proud of the skills of Thai people or if you are foreign and want to marvel in the beauty of Thai arts and handi-crafts then I encourage you heartily to visit this exhibition before it closes on 13 January 2008.  I guarantee that you won't be disappointed.