Thai Antiques
Thai antiques enjoy a world-wide reputation for their quality and craftsmanship, so Bangkok is naturally a good place to purchase these wonderful items. One should always be aware that real Thai antiques are both rare and expensive. For this reason, many Bangkok antique stores stock both genuine antiques and more modern reproductions intended for less discerning shoppers.
Luckily, most shop owners tend to be fairly open about what is a genuine antique and what is a more modern piece. However, because of the popularity of Asian décor, modern does not necessarily mean worse. Some superb reproduction pieces are available that could grace any home in the world. Real or not, Bangkok Thai antique shops are numerous.
Buddhist art has thrived in the region for more than 1000 years and produced some extraordinary work that reflects the thriving cultures under the stability of the Angkhor, Lop Buri, Lanna, Sukhothai and Ayuthaya eras. Distinctive styles evolved from each era and greater Siam left an enormous legacy of fine art behind. Many superb pieces can be found in the National Museum and other institutions in the country maintained by the Department of Fine Arts. Much of it is religious, including Buddha statues and images made from wood, bronze, stone and glass. Even markets in historic towns, such as Chiang Saen in the north, display a treasure trove of pieces that have been dug up after decades and present some good opportunities for treasure hunters.
Some truly valuable and aged pieces continue to arrive from Burma and Laos, smuggled from these two countries who fail to retain their heritage artefacts. However, any Buddhist statue leaving the country of Thailand should, in theory, have a certificate of approval from the Ministry of Culture, but the dealer or shop would be able to provide this.
A very brief introduction to art periods in Thailand
The earliest period of history from which Thai antiques can be traced is the Dvaravati period, (7th to 11th centuries AD), and almost all of these are Hinayana Buddhism items. During this time, the Mon people ruled an area in central Thailand but reached as far north as present day Lamphun, and Khmer-influenced pieces are still found there to this day.
This was followed by the Lopburi period (7th to 14th centuries AD), which can be categorised into early Lopburi art and the later Lopburi period. Again, antiques from this period display a strong Khmer influence, although with a distinctly different style from that of the Dvaravati period.
Items from the Lanna Kingdom are roughly grouped under the Chiang Saen era (11th to 18th centuries AD), based upon the important trading town still standing on the banks of the Mekhong. Little has been recorded on the earlier period in which Buddha images were profoundly influenced by styles from India which arrived via craftsmen imported from Pagan in Burma. Indeed, during this time Lanna was overrun or allied to kingdoms in Burma on several occasions, but produced an era of artistic growth.
The latter period was strongly influenced by the rise of the Sukhothai period (13th to 14th centuries AD), considered by many to be the zenith of cultural and artistic development in the area. The style of Buddha images from this period is particularly distinctive, with a serene smiling expression and remarkable body form.
Following that, the Ayuthaya period (14th to 18th centuries AD) rose to prominence and influenced the entire region before succumbing to Burmese invasion. The present artistic era, Ratanakosin, dates from the founding of Bangkok in the mid- 18th century and has established its own style of religious and other art, influenced increasingly by cultures outside of South East Asia.
Shopping for Thai antiques in Bangkok
The best ‘all in one’ area for antiques shopping in Bangkok is the multi-storey River City Complex that is situated close to the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel. On the 3rd and 4th floor of the complex are a number of high quality antique shops. Old Maps and Prints offers a superb selection of rare maps and illustrations. Acala (Shop 312) has a gallery of rare Tibetan and Chinese artefacts. The Oriental Plaza is another venue that features a number of pricey antique stores.
Gaysorn Plaza, situated near to the Le Meridien President Hotel and Tower on Ploenchit Road, is home to several stores that specialize in antique and contemporary décor and furnishings. Triphum, on the second floor of the building features some very nice examples of South-East Asian art and accessories. The Thai Craft Museum has a good range of textiles and ceramics and also has craft demonstrations.
Barang-Barang Antik, situated on Ploenchit Road, has a large stock of stunning Indonesian antiques and furniture.
Paul’s Antiques specialises in antique furniture mostly dating from the colonial period in Burma’s history. It has some truly stunning examples of teak wood furniture. Paul Antiques is situated at 50 Soi 13, Sukhumvit Road.
The Old Siam Trading Company, situated on 87 Sukhumvit Road, specializes in old maps, bonds, documents, postcards and stamps. In addition to this, they also source traditional Thai and Khmer costumes, masks and headdresses.
Friday Antiques has a good reputation for its superb range of Chinese and Thai antiques. This family business has a long history in Bangkok and is housed in the River City Complex (Suite 401).
If you are really serious about antique shopping and hoping for better prices, then you’re better off finding your way north to Chiang Mai, where there is an equally good selection of articles at less inflated prices, particularly pieces brought in from Burma.
