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    Lifestyle Curators for Thailand + Southeast Asia

    Paradise Art: From Thailand to Home

      /  LE Lifestyle   /  Shopping   /  Paradise Art: From Thailand to Home

    Thailand is not just a mecca for bargain hunters but also for luxury shopping.

    by Rachel Ross
    All photos on these spread: Some of the many treasures that can be purchased at Oriental Living

    All photos on these spread: Some of the many treasures that can be purchased at Oriental Living

    Choices Abound:

    • Thailand is bursting with talented artists and antique dealerships. You will always be able to find the perfect piece.
    • Even independent stores will provide a shipping service, so don’t worry about the logistics of fitting a bear-sized sculpture into your suitcase.
    • Prices in Thailand tend to be lower than back home, and so treating yourself and others to big purchases is guilt-free spending!

    All photos on these spread: Some of the many treasures that can be purchased at Oriental Living

    History in beauty, and beauty in history

    Although it has gone through different periods throughout history, traditional Thai art is chiefly composed of Buddhist depictions and scenes from the Indian epics. Paintings and carvings generally immerse the viewer into a flowing story such as the Ramayana, and antique sculpture is often Buddhist in nature.

    All photos on these spread: Some of the many treasures that can be purchased at Oriental LivingImmerse yourself, literally, within Thai art history while discovering the streets and buildings of Khlong Bang Luang’s aptly named Artist Village. This laidback sanctuary reveals more of Thailand’s remarkable architectural history alongside galleries of antique finds and local artist creations.

    First Saturday of the month? Bangkok’s Riverside Auction House is definitely worth a visit. Place a bid, or just sit back and watch a remarkable auction experience of Asia’s most beautiful antique art finds. The house is part of Bangkok’s River City complex, which, as well as holding special events and performances, possesses antique buys and restaurants with river views.

    All photos on these spread: Some of the many treasures that can be purchased at Oriental LivingAfter the excitement of shouts of “sold!’ take a moment to sit down with an iced drink in some more serene atomspheres: OP Place, a building hosting two floors of independent stores, which feature luxury antique collections. You can also head down to the city’s new Art and Cultural Center. Free to enter, the complex is home to cafes, shops, and, of course, several galleries featuring an assortment of traditional and modern art. There may even be a special event or performance happening during your visit, so make sure to check!

    If you’re an enthusiast for everything vintage, Bangkok’s Chatuchak Weekend Market holds everything from textiles and furniture, to sculptures and commissioned paintings. And you can also hop over Rod Fai Vintage Market for a few smaller retro finds.

    All photos on these spread: Some of the many treasures that can be purchased at Oriental LivingTalent in worthwhile and transformative projects

    Just north of Bangkok, in Nonthaburi province, lies Wat Suan Kaew: an extraordinary temple. Why extraordinary? The temple’s numerous charity and community projects are exceptional, and one particularly beautiful project involves transformation, artistry, and care. Buddhist belief is centered on the concept of rebirth and renewal: Wat Suan Kaew’s refurbishment project takes in old furniture, renovating items back into beautiful pieces that are for sale. Whether it’s a wardrobe, dresser, or stool, this furniture tells a story, and the proceeds find their way back into the community projects.

    Family and community are both important aspects in Thai culture, and Chiang Mai’s art scene is a key demonstrator of these aspects. Artists, dealerships, ecological projects, and ethical businesses work in harmony to keep money circulating within the local community. The city’s Sunday Walking Street, and, to a lesser extent, the Night Market, highlight independent local artists and artwork from the Hill Tribes, in particular the unique textile designs that are woven into throws, quilts, and wall-hangings.

    All photos on these spread: Some of the many treasures that can be purchased at Oriental Living

    Introducing: up and coming artists

    Fast-forward to the modern day, and contemporary art, Thai-style. Unlike many countries in the surrounding area, Thailand has a rather liberal censorship in regard to art, and so only in Thailand can we find such a unique, honest combination of traditional components entwined with modern techniques and subject matters.

    Chiang Mai’s HQ Gallery strives to discover and help young artists in the north to blossom. Reaching out to talented artists in university or college education, the gallery encourages extraordinary artists to be able to continue their passion in contemporary art. In showcasing these artists before they ‘boom’, the pieces are sold at competitive rates, providing both exposure for the artists and affordable prices for buyers.

    Not far from HQ, you’ll love meeting successful, independent and hard-working artist Supachet in his small Chiang Mai store and studio. If you’re lucky, he might be sat on his stool bringing one of his ideas to life on a partially painted canvas.

    As well as being full of homely bits and bobs, the studio’s walls are adorned with little prints and huge masterpieces featuring his recognizable, and unique, elephant, bunny and bird designs. Vivid colors blend together in a wash of artistry that’s both charming and utterly comforting.

    All photos on these spread: Some of the many treasures that can be purchased at Oriental LivingContemporary, retro, and antique spaces

    Can’t choose between a vintage find, an ornate antique gem, or a modern masterpiece? Sometimes, it’s nice to have an eclectic mix of everything all in one place; cutting out the traveling-around-stores middle-man.

    Specializing in handcrafted pieces, Oriental Living takes pride in providing more than bespoke traditional and contemporary items, as it will also alongside you to help you to create the perfect space.

    For a more casual, high-street shopping center, stop at the huge Mega Bangna complex on your way to the airport for some last minute pieces. For some serious high-end pieces, pop over to Siam Paragon’s third ‘Living and Technology’ floor. And, for an awe-dazzling amount of choices, riverfront Asiatique is a place that focuses on supporting Thai talent and providing unique designs.

    All photos on these spread: Some of the many treasures that can be purchased at Oriental LivingInevitably, it’s terribly easy to find yourself with décor envy when you’re wandering around your hotel lobby, or eating in a local restaurant. You may find yourself imagining that antique bookcase in your study, or the one-of-a-kind canvas in your best friend’s lounge. Home is surrounding oneself with what makes you content, and décor is an integral part of that.

    Art and Cultural Center
    Where: 939 Rama 1 Road, Wangmai, Pathumwan, Bangkok
    http://en.bacc.or.th
    Tel: 02 214 6630 – 8
    When: Tues-Sun, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
    Chatuchuk Weekend Market
    Where: 39 Moo 6, Bangna-Trad, Km.8 Rd., Bang Kaeo, Bang Phli, Samutparkan
    www.chatuchak.org/
    Tel: 02 105 1000
    When: Sat-Sun, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
    HQ Gallery
    Where: 3/31 Samlan Road, Tambon Phrasing, Amphur Muang, Chiang Mai 50200 Thailand
    Website: http://www.hqartgallery.com/
    Phone: +66 (0)5 381 4717-8
    OP (Oriental Plaza) Place
    Where: 30/1 Soi 38, Charoenkrung Rd., Bang Rak, Bang Rak, Bangkok
    Phone: +66 (0)2 266 0186
    When: Daily 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
    Rod Fai Vintage Market
    Where: Srinakarin Soi 51, Srinakarin Road | Nong Bon, Prawet,, Bangkok
    When: Friday-Sunday 5 p.m.-midnight
    Supachet’s Studio
    Where: 56/2 Rachadamnoen Rd, Amphoe Muang Chiang Mai
    www.facebook.com/SupachetsStudio
    Tel: 089 950 1329
    When: Daily 11 a.m.-8 p.m. (opening and closing times vary day to day)
    Riverside Auction House
    Where: River City Shopping Mall, 23 Trok Rongnamkhaeng, Si Phaya Pier,Yota Road, Sampantawong, Bangkok
    www.riversideauctionhouse.co.th
    Tel: 02 237 0077 ext 459, 460, 647
    When: Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
    Item viewing commences four days prior to the auction date. Check website for exact date and time each month.
    River City Shopping Mall
    Where: 23 Trok Rongnamkhaeng, Si Phaya Pier,Yota Road, Sampantawong, Bangkok
    www.rivercity.co.th
    Tel: 02 237 0077 to 78
    When: Daily 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
    Siam Paragon
    Where: 991/1 1st Floor, Rama I Road, Bangkok
    www.siamparagon.co.th
    Tel: 02 610 7911
    When: Daily 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
    Asiatique
    Where: 2194, Charoenkrung 72-74 Rd. Rd., Wat Phraya Krai, Bang Kho Laem, Bangkok
    www.thaiasiatique.com
    When: Daily 5 p.m.-midnight
    Mega Bangna
    Where: 39 Moo 6, Bangna-Trad, Km.8 Rd., Bang Kaeo, Bang Phli, Samut Prakan
    www.mega-bangna.com
    Tel: 02 105 1000
    When: Daily 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
    Oriental Living Koh Samui
    Where: 9/18 moo 1, Maenam Koh Samui
    Tel: 077 247 675
    Where: 424 Srisoonthorn Rd Cherngtalay, Phuket
    Tel: 076 325 419
    When: Daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
    www.oriental-living.net/
    Wat Suan Kaew
    Where: Moo 1 Tambon Bang Lan, Amphoe Bang Yai, Nonthaburi
    Tel: 02 595 1945-7, 02 595 1444
    When: Daily 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.