Conservation and Development of Lacquerware handicraft in Sripankrua community, Tasala Sub-district, Muang District, Chiangmai

Abstract

Sri Pan Krua community is one of Chiang Mai's lacquerware production communities. It has inherited since ancient times, even if there are fewer technicians but it still gets the attention from those who like and have the needs of lacquerware work. Therefore this study aims to study the context of lacquerware in past and present in Thailand. Moreover, this study studies the historical context society and culture, as well as the context of Ban Sri Pan Krua lacquerware history, techniques, making and product style which educates both the document and field by using physical survey methods, observations, and interviews to collect information of communities and craftsmen. Including suggestions from people within the community to analyze the value and circumstances and problems Of Baan Sri Pan Krua lacquerware to find patterns and methods for conservation and development of Baan Sri Pan Krua handicraft products in order to maintain and add value for the economic benefits.

The results of the study showed that Ban Sri Pan Krua is a source of lacquer ware that was descended from Tai Khin people. Originally, lacquerware was used for household use and personal items that are inherited from their ancestors. Later, it was turned to produce and export to increase income for people in the community which has different styles, such as flower bowl, crown and new fabric chest. The unique identity is the white frame that is the elaborate and beautiful curl pattern, and has a distinctive feature of "Ha Noi flower", the writing of the pattern using rakchad and plastic color which is an ancient pattern such as Kakok flower pattern. However, at the present, the lacquerware of Ban Sri Pan Krua has decreased because the craftsmen in the community are older and have health problems from sitting to make lacquer for a long time, and the new generation is not interested in making this handicraft profession. Furthermore, the style are only ancient so that this maybe one of the reasons that lacquerware is not popular today. In order to achieve that goal, it relies on cooperation from everyone to support, bring to divide the form and method of conservation, develop Sri Pan Krua lacquer craft to maintain value and increase value in the economy.