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.
