Artisans of Thai Bronze Bowls: Remaining Fortress in the Waning Industry of Thailand
Discover the Hidden Gem of Ban Bu, Bangkok
Nestled within the old quarter of Bangkok lies a vibrant, frequently overlooked community teeming with rich culture: Ban Bu. This unassuming neighborhood remains a bastion for a century-old Thai craft - Khan Long Hin, a traditional hammered bronze bowl with a dazzling stone polish.
Tracing its roots back to the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767, Ban Bu was established as a sanctuary for skilled metalworkers who fled south following the ancient capital's fall. They brought their craft with them, forming Ban Bu into a veritable hub for bronze artisanship. The most emblematic item produced in Ban Bu throughout the generations is the Khan Long Hin, a water bowl meticulously forged from an alloy of 80% copper and 20% tin, giving it an incredible silver-like sheen.
Crafting a single Khan Long Hin isn't a quick endeavor. It takes six to seven laborious steps, involving both brute physical strength and fine craftsmanship. For instance, creating a large bowl, around 18 inches wide, might take two to three days, while smaller versions can be completed five to six times per day. Prices range between 1,200 to 8,000 baht, depending on size and intricacy.
However, similar to many traditional crafts, the Khan Long Hin is facing an uncertain future. Dr. Jariya Sangsajja, the fifth-generation heir to the craft, attributes the challenge to the physical demands and time required to master the necessary skills.
"These days, people want flexible, appealing jobs," she explains. "The work can be grueling, demanding prolonged exposure to high heat as well as dexterity that takes years to cultivate."
Consequently, Dr. Jariya has taken steps to open her workshop to the public, offering visitors a chance to observe the process and learn the significance behind each step. Additionally, there's been talk of initiatives to support master artisans willing to train apprentices—an essential step in preserving this cherished cultural treasure.
Sunan Chansuphap, another Ban Bu artisan, brings home the urgency by tragically declaring, "I'm getting old... I don't know when my time will come. If students at schools want to come and learn, they're welcome. I'm sure it'll keep this craft alive."
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That said, Ban Bu offers much more than just Khan Long Hin bowls for curious travelers. Taking a short stroll away will reveal Hua Khon Luk Phra Phai, a creative space where visitors can paint their own miniature Khon masks, an enchanting way to engage with Thailand's classical performance art. The workshop, priced at just 120 baht, is a hit among children and young adults, workshops that dispel the notion that Khon is exclusive or inaccessible to modern generations.
Railway enthusiasts or photographers will also find delight in the Thonburi Locomotive Depot nearby, home to vintage trains dating back to the reign of King Rama V. Witnessing history intertwined with nostalgia is a remarkable experience that shouldn't be missed.
In the fast-paced world we live in today, Ban Bu offers something strikingly different: living heritage. It's a place where one can feel the heartbeat of Thai tradition, learn from master artisans, and bring home stories, not just souvenirs.
If you're seeking a genuine cultural experience this weekend, Ban Bu eagerly awaits the imaginative, curious, and culturally-minded traveler.
- A stroll away from Ban Bu reveals Hua Khon Luk Phra Phai, offering visitors a unique opportunity to paint their own Khon masks, engaging with Thailand's classical performance art.
- Ban Bu also houses the Thonburi Locomotive Depot, home to vintage trains dating back to the reign of King Rama V, catering to railway enthusiasts and photographers.
- In addition to Khan Long Hin, Ban Bu's lifestyle encompasses home-and-garden aesthetics, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the fast-paced world we live in today.
- Preserving a traditional craft while embracing cultural travel, Ban Bu beckons imaginative, curious, and culturally-minded travelers seeking a genuine cultural experience over the weekend.
