 For all the lucky people who live in the San Francisco Bay Area, now is your chance to see some traditional Thai art on display at San Francisco's Asian Art Museum, running from now until May 8th.
This is the first major exhibition of Siamese art in the USA in over 30 years. The exhibit focuses on the Ayutthaya period of Siam (now Thailand) which was from the 14th through the 18th centuries, and encompassed parts of present-day Laos, Cambodia, and Burma. Since Buddhism has always been such a major influence in Thai life, not surprisingly most of the artwork of that time was religious in nature. The exhibit features numerous Buddha statues in various attitudes (postures which ahve a defined meaning relating to the life of the Buddha).
The chief curator of the Asian Art Museum, Dr. Forrest McGill, noted that the items in the exhibit are as rare as they are beautiful. "They were mostly made for royal temples and the royal court, so we have things like architectural components of major buildings, luxurious textiles, top-quality palace furniture and illustrated manuscripts. We've had to do a lot of negotiations over many years to borrow them from various museums and collections."
Featuring 89 works, some other highlights include gold jewelry and ceremonial objects, huge stone metal Buddha statues, sculptures of Hindu deities, wood carvings, miniature paintings, and textiles. Some of those gems include temple dorrs that have been exquisitely painted with images of guardians to protect the Dharma (the teachings of the Buddha). There are colored manuscripts that relate stories of the life of the Buddha, as well as chests and other items that might be found in temples or palaces at the time.
And while the artwork boasts much incredible detail, don't feel you will be overwhelmed if you are a novice when it comes to Siamese art. Dr. McGill and his staff have taken pains to ensure that even those with no knowledge of Thai art can come in and just enjoy the pure aesthetic value. Arrangements and color designs of the backgrounds have been customzed to work harmonilusly with the pieces.
and while you are at the Asian Art Museum, you can see over 2,500 treasures from their permanet collection, and if you want a gastronomic experience, dine at Cafe Asia. There are also free audio tours and other family programs available during select dates and times. The Free public tours are Tuesday through Sunday at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm, but I think you still have to pay the price of the admission, so maybe the word "free" is a bit to strong to use here.
Asian Art Museum 200 Larkin Street San Francisco, CA
94102
http://www.asianart.org/
Call them at: 415-581-3500
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