The Values of Royal Pattern Floral Craftsmanship for The Royal Cremation of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great

Abstract

The aim of this research was to decode subtle meaning and significance of traditional floral arrangements at the Royal Cremation of the Thai King Rama IX. The research article focuses on a deep assessment of the flower arrangements dedicated to the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great (H.M. King Rama IX). The study identified the hidden meaning and significance in the choice of floral patterns and arrangements as followings: 1. Ethical significance as represented in the steps taken by the artists to assemble fresh flowers daily that conveys a high level of moral characteristics, such as gratitude, respect and loyalty to teachers who bestowed their knowledge, to the nation, religion and the monarchy; 2. The aesthetics and beauty in the art form of flower arrangement in which can be traced back to the ancient wisdom of the Thai royal court passed on from generation to generation of artisans containing their beliefs, principles and religion; 3. Resource management from an intelligent selection of material through techniques adopted to arrange for the massive quantity of fresh flowers and transport them to be displayed at the right place at the right time in the most efficient manner possible; 4. The fine craftsmanship at the highest level of excellence and skillsets to generate beautiful artistic possibilities; and 5. Innovation beyond expectation but still realistic to be practical reflected in the imagination that comes from the mindset of the royal court artists and craftsmen.