Arts of a Kingdom - Bangkok
Jan 6th, 2008, 03:16 AM
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Arts of a Kingdom - Bangkok
Yesterday (Saturday) I took in the "Arts of the Kingdom" exhibit at the Ananta Samakorn throne hall. Getting a look inside this building is worth the 100 Baht admission price. It's rarely open to the public. The architecture and interior decoration would make the building the main attraction in most European cities.
Once I tore myself away from the building, the exhibits were equally impressive. The event showcases some of the exquisite items made by Thai craftsmen for the palaces of the Thai kings. There's a howdah intricately carved from golden teak, and another covered in gold and diamonds; a niello throne; the beetle-wing room; a table set for a state dinner, replete with a pair of golden peacock centerpieces sporting diamond beaks and emerald tales; and a lot more. Downstairs there's a display of embroidery and Thai silk, covering every ethnic design from mud-mee to squirrel tail.
The exhibit is put on in support of the Queen's SUPPORT foundation. Next door at Amporn Gardens is a big sale of goods from the foundation. There's silk, cotton, silk, wood carvings, silk, woven baskets, and – oh yeah – silk.
The exhibition is only open until the 13th, so see it if you're here in Bangkok.
Once I tore myself away from the building, the exhibits were equally impressive. The event showcases some of the exquisite items made by Thai craftsmen for the palaces of the Thai kings. There's a howdah intricately carved from golden teak, and another covered in gold and diamonds; a niello throne; the beetle-wing room; a table set for a state dinner, replete with a pair of golden peacock centerpieces sporting diamond beaks and emerald tales; and a lot more. Downstairs there's a display of embroidery and Thai silk, covering every ethnic design from mud-mee to squirrel tail.
The exhibit is put on in support of the Queen's SUPPORT foundation. Next door at Amporn Gardens is a big sale of goods from the foundation. There's silk, cotton, silk, wood carvings, silk, woven baskets, and – oh yeah – silk.
The exhibition is only open until the 13th, so see it if you're here in Bangkok.
Jan 6th, 2008, 01:11 PM
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Michael...How did you find out there was a show at the Ananta Throne hall? It has been on my to do list for many years and have never found out how to get inside. I understand the building it's self IS fabulous. If you see anything the end of April,May or June,while we are there, please let either Bob or I know. Thanks Karen
Jan 6th, 2008, 04:06 PM
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I first saw a blurb about the exhibit on The Nation newspaper's web site. There are some signs on the Skytrain stations as well.
I've been hoping for a chance to see inside this building for years. Until now, the only time it's been regularly open to the public is on Children's day, which is this Saturday. The Arts of the Kingdom show is, I think, an annual event, but it's probably the only one held at the throne hall. The rest of the time it's used for state occasions (the rather simple throne used for that can be seen as well).
I've been hoping for a chance to see inside this building for years. Until now, the only time it's been regularly open to the public is on Children's day, which is this Saturday. The Arts of the Kingdom show is, I think, an annual event, but it's probably the only one held at the throne hall. The rest of the time it's used for state occasions (the rather simple throne used for that can be seen as well).
