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Thai Jewelry Artisans

Photos by Jatuporn Rutnin

Southeast Asia has a millenary silversmith tradition, which has developed along different art periods and the interrelationship of diverse cultures. Thailand's renowned artistic periods such as Dvaravati, Sri Vijaya, Lopburi, Chiang Saen, Sukhothai, Ayutthaya and Ratanakosin, bear a strong Indian influence. This in turn has been absorbed into the Thai way of life and sensibility.

Thailand's silversmith legacy also bears evidence of hill tribe influences. Silver has long adorned hill tribe attires for it symbolizes wealth and prestige - some also believe silver wards off illness and misfortune.

Originally, silver was intended for small votive stupas and as an inlay for religious statues. Later it was confined to creating decorative items, ceremonial, and religious articles. Then, with the rise of Chiang Mai and its handcraft industries, silver tooling began to develop more actively. This was also due to an influx of Burmese refugees, following the fall of Pagan, and these refugees brought their arts and skills with them. Fine decorative and jewelry items were created and, since gold was exclusive to royalty, high-ranking nobility and court officials, the lower-ranking nobility, lesser officials and wealthy commoners came to regard silver as the most valuable material (particularly in bowls, trays, wares and betel nut sets).

Silver has also been an important means of payment for commercial transactions. Although coins have been used since the Dvaravati period (7th to 12th century), the famed pot duang, or "bullet coins." were made from quality silver during the famous Sukhothai period (1235-1438) and became the dominant means of exchange throughout the following periods.

Nowadays, international silver markets are in resurgence and the Thai silver industry, famous for the quality and profusion of its jewelry, shines among the best. However, the survival of Thailand silver traditions and industry will definitely depend on enthusiasts and connoisseurs.