Siam Piwat invites everyone to commemorate the boundless and immeasurable royal grace of Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother during “From Royal Resolve… To The Heritage Of The Land”, which is running at Art Jewel, 5th floor of Siam Paragon, Rama I Road, until Nov 20.
The exhibition presents the royal duties in various fields the late Queen Mother performed for Thai people throughout her life. Many of them reflect her foresight concerning sustainability, namely her initiating and promoting the conservation of forests and wildlife, emphasising the concept of people living with forests sustainably. This reflects her genius as the true “pioneer of sustainability concepts” in Thailand.
On display are a compilation of images and stories of Queen Sirikit visiting the people in all regions of the country alongside King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great. The exhibition is divided into three parts.
Chut Thai Phra Ratcha Niyom.
“A Collection Of Images Of Royal Duties: A Lifetime Dedication To The Benefit And Happiness Of The Thai People In All Aspects” showcases her considerable dedication to arts and culture, the environment, humanitarianism, strengthening friendships with allied nations, supporting Thai handicrafts, conserving Thai textiles and giving new life to khon, which is Thailand’s high art of performance.
“Chut Thai Phra Ratcha Niyom (Thai National Dress): Reflecting The Vision Of Her Majesty The Queen Mother” focuses on the conservation of the eight types of traditional Thai costumes, which originated from her royal initiative to express Thainess through attire for the world to witness.
She graciously ordered the study, research, restoration and design of Thai outfits for women, which she wore during the official state visits with King Bhumibol to the US and European countries in 1960.
The exquisite collection of eight formal dresses on show includes Thai Ruean Ton suitable for semi-formal functions; Thai Chitlada for formal functions; Thai Amarin for evening ceremonies; Thai Borom Phiman for high-level formal ceremonies; Thai Dusit for evening ceremonies; Thai Chakkri for weddings or evening functions; Thai Siwalai for royal ceremonies or religious ceremonies; and Thai Chakkraphat for important royal ceremonies.
Khon masks.
“Khon Masks: From Royal Khon Performances To The World’s Intangible Cultural Heritage” recounts the Queen Mother’s important role in reviving khon masked dance. Queen Sirikit graciously granted personal funds to the Fine Arts Department to improve khon costumes in 2003 and continuously supported the performing art.
This part also exhibits four rare khon masks. They include Phipek, the younger brother of Thotsakan with a green body, crocodile eyes and a snarling mouth; Hanuman, the great simian warrior and chief soldier of Phra Ram; Akastalai, a giant guardian with wide-open eyes and a snarling mouth of the city gate of Krung Longka; and Phaya Nok Samphathi, the elder brother of Nok Sadayu.
There are also craft workshops and a sale of souvenirs from the Queen Sirikit Museum Of Textiles and the Support Foundation.