ASIATOUR.COM
Jan Garanoz
Thanon Pemavipat
Chiang Rai, 57000
Thailand


Thailand / Shopping / Shadow Play Figures

Much the same as on Indonesian Java though not as famous are Thai shadow play figures. They are cut out of bull hide and will appear to an audience watching them behind a screen at various sizes, depending on how close to the source of light they are moved. Traditionally, these shadow play figures (Nang Rai in Thai) are just black as this obviously is sufficient for a shadow play. Nevertheless, probably as a concession to the foreign buyer who acquires them not for the purpose of shadow plays but to adorn his home in full light, they are now produced more and more in color.

Much like the Khon masks the Nang Rai figures traditionally depict legendary or mythological characters. But meanwhile, a large number of other motives is also available - of motives which have nothing to do anymore with shadow plays.

Shadow play figures almost always come from southern Thailand. In Bangkok they are commonly offered by sidewalk vendors in areas frequented by tourists, such as along Sukhumvit Road and around the Oriental and Royal Orchid Sheraton hotels. They are considerably cheaper at the Chatuchak Weekend Market where, aside from that, the selection is also much larger than along the sidewalks.


Initial Asian Countries
Thailand
Cambodia
Laos
Vietnam
Myanmar
Yunnan (China)
Malaysia
Philippines

Additional Asian Countries
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Bhutan
Brunei
China
Dubai
India
Indonesia
Iraq
Israel
Jordan
Korea
Kuwait
Maldives
Nepal
Oman
Pakistan
Qatar
Singapore
Sri Lanka
Uzbekistan

Africa
Algeria
Egypt
Morocco

This page: http://www.asiatour.com/thailand/e-02trav/et-tr247.htm
Created: September 1, 1995? -? Last updated: February 4, 2008