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The Arts
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Nielloware
The art of khruang thorn, as the
Thais call nielloware, is believed lo have
come to the country during the
Ayutthaya period. The precise origin is
uncertain; some scholars say it came
from China, while others give Persia as
the source. In any case, it became a
popular craft in southern Thailand,
particularly in Nakhon Si Thammarat,
and is still produced there.
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Nielloware, a popular craft of southern Thailand
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Fine nielloware is usually made of
pure silver, sometimes later plated with
gold. The metal is bought by the craftsmen in thin sheets, from which the
desired shape is cut and welded into a
crude, three -dimensional form. After the
design has been engraved usually
traditional, such as Thai flame or an
intricate floral motif an oxidizing
solution is applied to the pans in high
relief, turning them a permanent blue
black. The piece is ihen filed to remove
all the rough edges and given a final polishing.
Nielloware objects have been
made in almost every conceivable
shape, from elaborate coffee and tea
sets to handbags and buttons. It is one
of Thailand's
most distinctive and beautiful crafts.
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