D/E/C

“Mai Dat” or Thai traditional shaped trees were popular among the upper class of Thailand. The trees were trimmed and bended into shapes and styles. The art of Thai traditional tree shaping was influenced from Chinese and Japanese practices when the merchants came to Siam (Thailand) since Ayutthaya period, and finally adapted into Siamese (Thai) style with geometrical shapes. They became well-known by the nobility, and displayed in the palace, temples and even in traditional houses until their popularity faded at the end of King Rama 7’s reign.

Phra Ratcha Sitthi Soonthorn, the abbot of Klong Toey Nai Temple has learned the art of tree shaping from “Khoon Withi – Naeb Saknet” and also studied from Thai traditional textbooks. He has been practicing shaping the trees for 30-40 years until now. “Mai Dat” trees and “Khao Mor” can be found in Klong Toey Nai Temple, and they are known as the young tree with Thai traditional shape.

“Mai Dat” trees are unlike dwarfings and Bonsai/ Penzai trees. Bonsai or Penzai were originated from China during Jin dynasty. The word “Bonsai/ Penzai” refers to a tree which is grown in a tray. The trees usually come in their natural shapes, but sometimes trimmed to keep their forms like the miniature trees.

On the other hand, “Mai Dat” trees are perennial plants, trimmed, bended and shaped in geometrical shapes such as Tako (Ebony), Khoi (Siamese Rough Bush), Mok (Wild Water Plum), Cha (Tea), and Masang (Wood Apple).

suMphat show

{suMphat} show is one of suMphat activities, aims to narrate the culture and traditional through modern design to adapt to today vibe. {suMphat} Gallery consists of a team of designers, architects, photographer who search for the endangered cultures and bring them back through designs.

From national and international design award winners and through the years of experiences in architectural design, the concepts of our designs show go far beyond designing objects. We include the relations and connections of how the objects are used in our everyday lives, these connections are well-known as “culture” . The cultures determine their instructions, and shape the designs of each object, as well as how things are connected.