Fruit carving, a meticulous art in Thailand

BANGKOK: It is a royal tradition that has proved bountiful through the ages and one that Thailand’s fruit carvers are determined to keep alive — even as young people peel away from the unique art form.

From beetroots carved into roses to fruity floats made from papayas and melons, the most important fruit carving competition in Thailand took place in Bangkok Friday.

But for competitor Piyanat Thiwato, carving is about more than just winning.

“Carving can improve our mind because it requires concentration and enhances our imagination, it’s a way to relax,” he said.

The tradition has been traced back to Thailand’s royal Sukhothai dynasty, in the 14th century.

“The art of food carving started hundreds of years ago. Thailand is rich with arts and crafts. It’s like a very beautiful treasure that we have,” said Araya Arunanondchai, the event’s organiser.

“In the old days, it was done in the royal palaces for the royal family,” she added.

Dozens of Thai artists competed in the famous fruit and vegetable carving competition, which was organised in honour of Queen

Carving can improve our mind because it requires concentration and enhances our imagination, it’s a way to relax. – Priyanat Thiwato, competitor at carving competition

Sirikit, who turns 85 on Aug 12.

More than 20 teams carved anything from owls to elephants or intricate Thai designs onto fruits including taros, melons, and papaya.

Fruit carving is still popular as an offering in temples or as a decoration for weddings. Fine arts students can still choose to learn it at university, as they would take painting lessons. But the tradition is fading away.

“Not so many young people are interested in it or the ones who studied it in art schools cannot make a living out of it”, Manirat Svastiwat na Ayutthaya, food carving expert said. — AFP

(Clockwise from top left) A man adds a pumpkin carved in the shape of a fish to an elaborate display. • A Thai man helps put together an elaborate decoration. • A Thai woman holds a tray with carved fruit and vegetable decorations. • A girl sleeps on a...

(Left) A worker sprays water on an elaborate fruit and vegetable decoration adorned with the photograph of Thailand’s Queen Sirikit. • (Right) Two Buddhist monks look at an elaborate display of carved fruits and vegetables during a fruit and vegetable...

A Thai woman puts together the background to a decoration that will include different vegetable and fruit decorations.