- Chiang Mai
The art of making celadon originated in China more than 2000 years ago and was introduced to this region during the Sukhothai period, only later coming to the Kingdom of
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The Craft Industry in Four Provinces
Once an independent kingdom in the past known as Lanna, the northern region is now home to a vibrant art and cultural scene that has its origins in the diverse ethnic communities that migrated or were relocated to the area in the past. Settling in a prosperous land, these peoples brought their customs, traditions, cultures, knowledge and wisdom with them. This is the origin of the present-day abundance of “Sa’lah”, the northern Thai word term used to describe the region’s skillful handicraft or craft artisans.
Northern craft identity is distinctive for the creative ways ethnic groups used local natural abundance to fulfill their needs by making items by hand to satisfy spiritual, cultural and practical demands. Whether woven textiles, embroidery, wooden crafts, basketry, sculptures or items for ornamentation, the historical, cultural and practical elements of peoples and their crafts have intertwined to form the distinctive identity of northern Thailand.
The charm of northern crafts lies in their evident outer beauty and in their historical origins that reflect the essence of Lanna crafts. This is especially so in the prosperous cities and surrounds of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang and Lamphun, which are home to valuable cultural heritages with long histories.
Artisans
- Lamphun
Chuanlhong Ceramic is a ceramic factory in Lamphun where local craftsmen mold and paint every piece by hand. Managed by Kittikorn Kanjanakuha, the factory was founded by his father, Uthai
- Chiang Mai
Being fascinated with dyeing using the Shibori technique while having fun creating new patterns on fabric, Ann-Kanchalee Ngamdamronk and Serg-Sergey Tishkin, her Russian partner, set up Slowstitch Studio, a textile
- Chiang Mai
Mae Patch finally reopened her office and showroom space in her home to visitors for the first time since the pandemic in June 2022. However, when compared to the longevity
- Chiang Mai
Bringing modernity to her family’s well-established business in Ban Tawai, Chiang Mai, was Pisuttinee “Som” Sa-gnuanrak main goal. The result was that she created Wicker Thailand, a brand specializing in
- Lampang
Lampang is a charming city, with friendly people and Lanna architecture that is rich in history. Going there is relatively easy; it is only a two-hour drive from Chiang Mai.
- Chiang Rai
Baanboon is a brand of Thai brooms hand-groomed for an international look. It is an extension of a 35-year-old family business called Somboonphon Craft, which makes and exports sorghum brooms.
- Chiang Rai
Master Somluk Pantiboon remembers being passionate about the arts in his childhood days. As a youth, he wanted to study in Chiang Mai, but at the time no faculty of
- Chiang Mai
At current day, art of hand writing with indigo wax resist dy is gradually disappear. Only elder Hmong people remain creating this artwork, whereas the new generations are less paying
- Chiang Mai
BOPE is an upcycled plastic waste product brand founded by couple Pemika Sukeeta and Supakrit Tarasri. “We started our business in a junkshop, but we didn't know enough. We found
- Chiang Mai
My name is Suranat Buranapong. I live and work in Chiangmai. I just started learning leather work at the beginning of 2012 and have found that I have really enjoyed
- Lampang
A Lanna ghom or khom is a style of folk lantern traditionally used for lighting in households since olden days. Its importance in Lanna culture can be seen from evolution