Woodcarving
Thai woodcarving, called Kruang Mai Cham
Lak, is considered one of the country’s
traditional art forms. Done in an ancient
artistic style, carvings are divided into three
types: bas-relief, deep-relief and round-relief.
Bas-relief has flat carvings only on the front
of the wood, with few curves. Deep-relief
carvings have three dimensions: depth, width,
and height. Examples of round-relief carvings
include Buddha sculptures, which have been
carved on every side. Since wood decays easily
compared to cement or brick, Thai wood
art is very rare, and a work can take years to
complete, requiring high levels of patience
and artistic skill by the carver. Today, skilled
craftsmen are rarely found, and few are willing
to become disciples.
Baan Tawai village is a renowned source
of woodcarving products in Chiang Mai.
Craftsmen with over 40 years of experience
meticulously hand-carve these wooden
sculptures; the village has exported so many
that it has been named “the woodcarving
village”. To showcase the woodcarvings and
support this semi-rural area, Baan Tawai was
named one of the OTOP Tourism Villages of
Thailand featuring local crafts. agThai wood art is very rare,
and a work can take years
to complete, requiring high
levels of patience
WHEN
8am–5pm dailyWHERE
Baan Tawai village,
90 Moo 2, Baan TawaiHOW
From Chiang Mai
International Airport,
it’s a 40-minute taxi rideEXPERIENCE
WOODCARVING
CHIANG MAI
Baan Tawaiabove A craftsman
chisels a deep-relief
car ving from a new
block of woodPHOTO © SHUTTERSTOCK