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The Arts
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From Classical to Popular Arts
Most classical Thai art originated
in or under the patronage of the royal
courts. It is an amalgam of the finest
cultural traditions of Asia, blended and
transformed into unique creations
instantly recognisable as Thai.
Classical art encompasses Buddhist
art as represented in religious architecture.
mural painting, decorative techniques,
and Buddha images. Such art reflected
the complex formal structure and
etiquette of court culture, with its strong
Indian influences, and expressed both
spiritual and intellectual impulses,
Entertainment was considered to be of
secondary importance in this category of art.
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A fine example of Thai stucco dccoration
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Popular art, on the other hand,
arose from age-old village realities and
the rites associated with birth, death, and
the seasonal cycle of crop cultivation.
When speaking of Thai art in
general, one can distinguish between
these two groups. Different as they are,
however, they are complementary and
mutually reinforce each other. Much
classical or court-inspired art later
evolved into simpler forms which found
popular appeal. Classical drama, for
example, moved into the realm of popular
culture in the form of comic folk-opera.
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Classic Thai decoration involves a variety of skills
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