Application of Colored Glass Technique for Product Development of Thai Traditional House Decorations

Abstract

The application of colored glass for producing Thai traditional house decorations is an innovation for decorating houses. The idea represents variations in society. This research is intended to analyze the forms and patterns of colored glass in different kinds of products. Additionally, the work shows different parts of Thai traditional culture while providing house decoration using colored glass. The attractive glass facilitates the teaching of Thai culture as people are naturally attracted to the beautiful decoration.

The collection consists of colored glass products for house decoration, architectures for colored glass decoration, experts in Thai traditional culture, stories of Thai traditional culture; and stained-glass artists. The focus groups include colored glass products for house decoration from Ban Tawai Handicraft Centre which consist of total 6 types: furniture, glass frames, paintings, portraits, painting of animals, and fortunate symbols. The architectures of colored glasses are at 3 places: Dhara Dhevi Hotel, Wat Ket Karam, Chiangmai Province, and Wat Chiang Thong, Luang Prabang. The concepts were developed by five experts in Thai traditional culture from Department of Cultural Promotion and Rajamangala University of Technology and produced by two colored glass artists from Ban Tawai Handicraft Village, Chiangmai Province. The works promote two stories of Thai traditional culture, consisting of the Songkran Festival-Thai New Year's Celebration and the Wai which is used by the Thai people to pay respect. Research tools consist of an observation table of stained-glass products, analysis tables of house decorations, mural paintings of the Songkran Festival, and the ‘wai’, questionnaires for the experts in Thai traditional culture, draft drawings of products, a selection of Thai traditional culture and furniture styles, and evaluation of the satisfaction and sense of product styles.

The forms, patterns, and techniques of colored glasses usage for house decoration were found in some types of souvenirs and furniture, consisting of photo frames, murals, portraits, and animal and fortunate symbol platforms with the pattern of glass on the surface and groove of the product. Architectural decoration is symbolic, and the shapes of Puranaghata (a pot of prosperity) at Wat Chiang Thong, Luang Prabang, the patterns appear as the shapes of trees, animals, and the lifestyles of the local people. The contents of Thai traditions appropriate to create home decorative products and to create knowledge as well. They should be a matter of core traditions that helps people to remember easily to keep and maintain Thai culture. They should also be developed as product models with product design principles. Finally, they should create an interest in the patterns so that the important message can be communicated to the general public easily, with familiarity of the content, and with a colored mirror surface.