Thai Arts and Crafts in Traditional Thai Musical Instruments During Rattanakosin Period

Abstract

This historical and documentary research article aims to study the inheritance of the traditional musical instruments in Thai society during Rattanakosin Period. The four fundamental types of Thai musical instruments are classified into four categories consisting of plucked instruments (lute), bowed string instruments, percussion instrument, and wind instrument. As an outstanding traditional treasures, these inventive instruments, have been creation of unique integrated craft works of woodcraftsman, turner, pad fitting, moulder, lacquer work, carver or sculpture, pearl artisan, and pearl marquetry. Since Sukothai period onwards to the present reign, the craft works in traditional Thai musical instrument has encompassed significantly the cultural role in Rattanakosin Period, notably, inheritance of craftwork of the royal Court to layman craftsmanship, knowledge integration of instrumental craftsman invention, role of Thai musical instruments, context of Thai society relating to Thai instrumental craftworks. Thai inventive musical-instrumental craftworks in Rattanakosin Period which were developed during the reign of King Rama the Second onwards, has become influential dynamic in supporting and promoting social cooperation for more creativity of Thai musical instruments in order to sustain the traditional treasure of Thai society including ASEAN and global communities.