Preserving Thailand’s art of fruit carving

IT IS a royal tradition that has proved to be 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 recently.

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.”

Dozens of Thai artists competed in the famous fruit and vegetable carving competition, which was organised in honour of Queen Sirikit, who turned 85 on Aug 12.

More than 20 teams carved anything from owls to elephants, or intricate Thai designs onto fruits including 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 for 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,” said food carving expert Manirat Svastiwat na Ayutthaya. – AFP-Relaxnews