The Role of Chinese Art in Influencing Thai Traditional Cupboard Furniture Designs

Abstract:

China has had her relations with Thailand for many centuries since the Sukhothai Period (A.D. 1250-1438) including trade contact, diplomatic relations set forth as per an abundance of documentary evidences, architectural works, and artistic object with significant artistic evidences of a long history of Thai-China relations. In Ayutthaya Period (A.D.1350-1767) which was corresponding to China’s Ming Dynasty (A.D. 1368-1644) there were Xi Yuan’s supporting written literature (A.D. 1565-1628). He was a Chinese historian who noted that China sent a large junk ship for trade to Ayutthaya fetching goods of silk, and chinaware from China for sale to Siam Court. Thai Traditional Cupboard Furniture in the past also had an interesting mix of Chinese art. Chinese artwork which appeared in the Thai Traditional Cupboard Furniture made from hardwood with surrounding decoration around it were created during the period of A.D. 18-19. From a number of Thai ancient cupboard furniture exhibited in the Phra Nakhon National Museum (the Largest National Museum in Bangkok Metropolis). This case study will explain the inspiration of Chinese art which the Thai craftsmen applied on the design to decorate the cupboard.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volumes 556-562)
• Pages: 6631-6637
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.556-562.6631
• Online since: May 2014
• Authors: Somchai Seviset*
• Keywords: Chinese Art, Cupboard Furniture Designs, Thai Traditional

References

[1] Putchong Chantawich, Sungkalok Earthenware, (2008), Bangkok: Ancient City, p.7.

[2] Putchong Chantawich, Sungkalok Earthenware, (2008), Bangkok: Ancient City, pp.72-74.

[3] Jennifer Wayne Cushman (Author), Chuenjitt Ampaipun (Translator), Fields from the Sea: Chinese junk Trade with Siam during the Late Eighteenth and Early Nineteenth Centuries, (1985), Bangkok, Thammasat University, pp.123-152.

DOI: 10.7591/9781501719066

[4] Apiwan Adullyapichet, Thai laquer works, (2012), Bangkok, Muang Boran, p.232.

[5] Sor. Pluynoi, Mythological Tales, (1997), Bangkok, Aksorn Pitthaya, p.194.

[6] Fine Art Department, DVARAPALA Guardian of the Temple, (2003), Bangkok, Amarin, p.12.

[7] Ban Kun. Chinese Traditional Patterns, (2001), Beijing, People Education Press, China.

[8] Fine Art Department, Artworks of Royal Artisans, (2011), Bangkok, Amarin, p.51.