Product Features: 

• Dimension: 3.7" H x 1.0" Diam.
• Weight: 0.29700002
• Color: Brown
• Material: Brass, polyester ribbon
• Made in Thailand

Story Behind the art:
Sawasdee krap. My name is Teerasak Chaiwong, but my nickname is Poo. I was born and grew up with my little sister in Chiang Mai, where my parents are merchants and work in an orchard.

When I was young, I had nothing special, like most of the people in the countryside. Every morning, I helped my parents in their shop on a small platform in front of our house. We sold groceries, sundries and food, and always had many customers, mostly neighbors.

My sister and I always walked to school together, carrying our lunch box and school bag. At 10 a.m., our parents closed the shop and went to work on the orchard, then came back to open the shop again in the evening.

When I was fifteen, I chose to study art, as art school wasn't too difficult and I could pass the entrance exam. I disliked mathematics and art majors didn't have to study math at all. My parents always encouraged me to study well. I was lucky because we come from the countryside. During the old times, people like us dreamed of working in government offices as police, nurses or soldiers. I admit I wanted to be a soldier or policeman, too.

At first, my parents worried about my career after graduation. They'd jokingly tell the neighbors that as soon as I graduated, I'd come back to draw on the walls of our village temple. That would have taken most of my life because the temple has a very long wall.

After art school, I continue to Bangkok Art College, which was a challenge because I spent time in the big city. I lived in the home of a relative. Here, everyone studying for a master's degree is concerned with Thai history. I was amazed, but I also spent weekends studying traditional Thai art. They all told me when they were young, they were never mindful of Thai identity but they regret that now, so I seriously devoted time to my artistic efforts.

Classmates envied me because I come from Chiang Mai, a land of unique and outstanding culture with many old temples so without hesitation, I chose to focus mainly on Thai art. It is incredibly attractive to see, with beautiful designs and also a reflection of Thai life, because where did those designs come from? For example, the flower design, the flame and various animal motifs.

After I graduated, I came back home and really did work at our village temple, restoring the ancient murals. I was so proud because I had to be delicate and patient, taking much care with these images from antiquity. I also had the opportunity to fix and renovate the old pagodas, which only men are permitted to repair. These pagodas contained relics of Lord Buddha, monks' robes or auspicious antiques.

The handmade touch of artisan skill creates variations in color, size and design. If buying two of the same item, slight differences should be expected. Note: Color discrepancies may occur between this product and your computer screen.

Imported