THAI KHON MASK
THE BEST KHON MASK MADE BY ARTIST SAMRAN
Khon Masks ∙ Argardtalai ∙ Brahma ∙ Ganesha ∙ Hanuman ∙ Laksman ∙
Mahachompoo ∙ Mangkornkan ∙ Rama ∙ Ramsoon ∙ Sukreep ∙ Totsakan
ROCK AROUND ASIA Art Gallery
Showroom Novotel Suvarnabhumi International Airport Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand
Internet www.rockaroundasia.com Email [email protected] Telephone +662 134 6147
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Ramakien story
Origins of Ramakien
The Ramakien ("Glory of Rama", sometimes also spelled Ramakien) is Thailand's national epic,
derived from the Hindu epic Ramayana. The word is derived from Sanskrit word Ramakhyan (Ram and
Akhyan) where Akhyan means a long story or epic.
A number of versions of the epic were lost in the destruction of Ayutthaya in 1767. Three versions
currently exist, one of which was prepared in 1797 under the supervision of (and partly written by) King
Rama I. His son, Rama II, rewrote some parts of his father's version for khon drama. The work has had
an important influence on Thai literature, art and drama (both the khon and nang dramas being derived
from it).
While the main story is identical to that of the Ramayana, many other aspects were transposed into a
Thai context, such as the clothes, weapons, topography, and elements of nature, which are described
as being Thai in style. Although Thailand is considered a Theravada Buddhist society, the Hindu
mythology latent in the Ramakien serves to provide Thai legends with a creation myth, as well as
representations of various spirits which complement beliefs derived from Thai animism.
A painted representation of the Ramakian is displayed at Bangkok's Wat Phra Kaew, and many of the
statues there depict characters from it.
ROCK AROUND ASIA Art Gallery
Showroom Novotel Suvarnabhumi International Airport Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand
Internet www.rockaroundasia.com Email [email protected] Telephone +662 134 6147
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From Ramayana Indian Epic
The Ramayana, holy revered text of Hindus, is believed by many archaeologists and historians to be a
collection of stories from Hindu mythology concentrating on the work of the gods in the lives of men,
and was first written down, as legend states, in the forests of India by Valmiki in the fourth century BC.
There are several holy sites in India that point to the reality of Rama's existence, including his
birthplace, his palace, and the route of his journey to Sri Lanka. Nevertheless, the Ramayana came to
Southeast Asia by means of Tamil Indian traders and scholars who traded with the Khmer kingdoms
(such as Funan and Angkor) and Srivijaya, with whom the Indians shared close economic and cultural
ties.
In the late first millennium, the epic was adopted by the Thai people. The oldest recordings of the early
Sukhothai kingdom, dating from the thirteenth century, include stories from the Ramayana legends.
The history of the legends was told in the shade theater, a shadow-puppet show in a style adopted
from Indonesia, in which the characters were portrayed by leather dolls manipulated to cast shadows
on a nearby screen while the spectators watched from the other side.
The Thai version of the legends was first written down in the eighteenth century, during the Ayutthaya
kingdom, following the demise of the Sukhothai government. Most editions, however, were lost when
the city of Ayutthaya was destroyed by armies from Burma (modern Myanmar) in the year 1767.
The version recognized today was compiled in the Kingdom of Siam under the supervision of King
Rama I (1736–1809), the founder of the Chakri dynasty, which still maintains the throne of Thailand.
Between the years of 1797 and 1807, Rama I supervised the writing of the well-known edition and
even wrote parts of it. It was also under the reign of Rama I that construction began on the Thai Grand
Palace in Bangkok, which includes the grounds of the Wat Pra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald
Buddha. The walls of the Wat Pra Kaew are lavishly decorated with paintings representing stories from
the Ramakien.
Rama II (1766–1824) further adapted his father's edition of the Ramakien for the khon drama, a form
of theater performed by non-speaking Thai dancers with elaborate costumes and masks. Narrations
from the Ramakien were read by a chorus to one side of the stage. This version differs slightly from the
one compiled by Rama I, giving an expanded role to Hanuman, the god-king of the apes, and adding a
happy ending.
Since its introduction to the Thai people, the Ramakien has become a firm component of the culture.
The Ramakien of Rama I is considered one of the masterpieces of Thai literature. It is still read, and is
taught in the country's schools.
Khon masks
Thai Khon Mask has been originated since in the ancient time, the beginning of Ratanakosin era. We
found the base of the Merit Khon mask in the art treasure of the Joafahkrompraya
Narisaranuwatiwong, the aristocracy, and also found Thotsakan Khon mask in Tourism Authority of
Thailand treasure; we presume that they were made in the era of King Rama 1 and Rama 2.
Khon mask is very flourishing in the era of King Rama 6, which is the golden period of literature and
dancing art in Thai history. The head gear of Khon and other Thai dances considered as high class
things, so artists and people worship the Khon mask, and not step over or even walk nearby. And that
is why we always keep Khon mask in the high level place.
ROCK AROUND ASIA Art Gallery
Showroom Novotel Suvarnabhumi International Airport Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand
Internet www.rockaroundasia.com Email [email protected] Telephone +662 134 6147
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Khon masks making
Nowadays, the artists who make the Khon mask
have remained very less compared to the past
from the last generations. According to this
trend, we would say that the number of artist is
going less because of different reasons.
The cast of each Khon Mask, whether it is that
of the demon king Tosakanth, hermits, monkeys
or mythological characters, is based on a clay
model. Once the clay model has dried, it is
neatly covered with "papier mache" made of Sa
rice paper and placed out to dry in the sun. The
"papier mache" mask is then cut in half and
removed from the clay model, before being
sewn together again. "Papier mache" is pasted
over the stitches and left to dry.
With a cutter, the mask maker scrapes the
"papier mache" surface until it is smooth and an
additional layer of "papier mache" is applied.
Once dried, the hardened black sap of the lak
tree is heated until it is pliable and immediately
applied on protruding features such as the
eyebrows, ears and the elaborate headdresses. Yet another layer of "papier mache" is applied and the
face is sandpapered. A paint brush is dipped in the lap sap and highlighting lines are painted on the
mask. Depending on the character, gold leaves and colored glass add glitter to the headdress or
ornaments. The final step is the painting of the mask with acrylic paints. If it is a demon mask, fangs
made of pearl shells are attached on both sides of the mouth.
Sources
Wikipedia
ROCK AROUND ASIA Art Gallery
Showroom Novotel Suvarnabhumi International Airport Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand
Internet www.rockaroundasia.com Email [email protected] Telephone +662 134 6147
4
Argardtalai
The female mythological lion, Agat-Talai, is in charge
of patrolling Longka by air. She has four faces and
height hands.
Features
 Height : 37 cm
 Weight : 500 gr
Package
 Argardtalai Khon Mask
 Wooden Silk Box Rock Around Asia
 Book “Khon Masks & Thai Puppets”
 35,000 THB / 1,120 USD / 850 EUR
Brahma
Phra Phrom (from Sanskrit: Vara Brahma) is the Thai
representation of the Hindu god Brahma, who is
regarded in Thai culture as a deity of good fortune
and protection. Phra Phrom is also known to admire
Thai classical music, which is played near larger
scale outdoor altars, accompanied by dancers. Phra
Phrom is colloquially known outside Thailand as
the four-faced Buddha.
Features
 Height : 42 cm
 Weight : 500 gr
Package
 Brahma Khon Mask
 Wooden Silk Box Rock Around Asia
 Book “Khon Masks & Thai Puppets”
 35,000 THB / 1,120 USD / 850 EUR
ROCK AROUND ASIA Art Gallery
Showroom Novotel Suvarnabhumi International Airport Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand
Internet www.rockaroundasia.com Email [email protected] Telephone +662 134 6147
5
Hanuman
Hanuman is the son of Phra Pai, the wind god, and
the maiden Sawaha. After his many successes in the
struggle against Tasakanth, Phra Ram created him
Phraya Anuchitchakrit Pipatpongsa, the ruler of
Nopburi. Hanuman is carrying Sida’s ring in his
mouth, representing the scene where Hanuman
shows Sida her own ring which she gave to Phra
Ram and persuades her not to kill herself.
Features
 Height : 24 cm
 Weight : 500 gr
Package
 Hanuman Khon Mask
 Wooden Silk Box Rock Around Asia
 Book “Khon Masks & Thai Puppets”
 35,000 THB / 1,120 USD / 850 EUR
Sukreep
The offspring of the sun god and Kan-ajana, Sukreep
was born as a human being but was turned into a
monkey by a hermit’s spell. He was one of the
foremost monkey warriors and broke Tosakanth’s
royal umbrella. He was made ruler of Keetkin.
Features
 Height : 42 cm
 Weight : 500 cm
Package
 Sukreep Khon Mask
 Wooden Silk Box Rock Around Asia
 Book “Khon Masks & Thai Puppets”
 35,000 THB / 1,120 USD / 850 EUR
ROCK AROUND ASIA Art Gallery
Showroom Novotel Suvarnabhumi International Airport Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand
Internet www.rockaroundasia.com Email [email protected] Telephone +662 134 6147
6
Ganesha
Phra Pikanes or the Hindu god Ganesha, literally
translated as leader of Shiva’s attendants, is the son
of Phra Isuan (Shiva) and his consort phra Uma. He
is the patron of the arts. He has an elephant head
after hus original head was cut ooff by an angry deity
who was not given the opportunity to see his father.
As an elephant was passing by, Phra Isuan chopped
off the elephant’s head in order to replace the missing
one.
Features
 Height : 31 cm
 Weight : 500 gr
Package
 Ganesha Khon Mask
 Wooden Silk Box Rock Around Asia
 Book “Khon Masks & Thai Puppets”
 35,000 THB / 1,120 USD / 850 EUR
Ramsoon
The demon Ramasoon was responsible for causing
the earth’s first thunder. He wears a bamboo bract
headdress.
Features
 Height : 41 cm
 Weight : 500 gr
Package
 Ramsoon Khon Mask
 Wooden Silk Box Rock Around Asia
 Book “Khon Masks & Thai Puppets”
 35,000 THB / 1,120 USD / 850 EUR
ROCK AROUND ASIA Art Gallery
Showroom Novotel Suvarnabhumi International Airport Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand
Internet www.rockaroundasia.com Email [email protected] Telephone +662 134 6147
7
Mangkornkan
The demon Mangkornkanth, the second king of
Romkan, wears a naga-topped headdress.
Features
 Height : 39 cm
 Weight : 500 gr
Package
 Mangkornkan Khon Mask
 Wooden Silk Box Rock Around Asia
 Book “Khon Masks & Thai Puppets”
 35,000 THB / 1,120 USD / 850 EUR
Rama
Phra Ram (Rama), an incarnate of Phra Narai
(Vishnu), was sent to earth as the son of Tosarot, the
ruler of Ayutthaya (Ayodhya), by Phra Isuan to
destroy the evil demon Tosakanth, king og Longka.
Features
 Height : 40 cm
 Weight : 500 gr
Package
 Rama Khon Mask
 Wooden Silk Box Rock Around Asia
 Book “Khon Masks & Thai Puppets”
 35,000 THB / 1,120 USD / 850 EUR
ROCK AROUND ASIA Art Gallery
Showroom Novotel Suvarnabhumi International Airport Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand
Internet www.rockaroundasia.com Email [email protected] Telephone +662 134 6147
8
Laksman
Lakshmana was the brother and close companion of
Rama (Phra Ram). He is revered for his absolute
devotion to Rama. His performance of his duties as a
younger brother is considered to be a sacrifice and
superiority of character as such duties are especially
hard to do in adverse conditions. Lakshmana's life
symbolizes the duties of a man to his elders and
superiors, and how greatly valued is selflessness in a
man's character.
Features
 Height : 42 cm
 Weight : 500 gr
Package
 Laksman Khon Mask
 Wooden Silk Box Rock Around Asia
 Book “Khon Masks & Thai Puppets”
 35,000 THB / 1,120 USD / 850 EUR
Mahachompoo
King monkey Thao Maha Chompoo joined Rama and
Laksman were following Totsakan’s trail. The he
became Rama’s staunch allies.
Features
 Height : 42 cm
 Weight : 500 gr
Package
 Mahachompoo Khon Mask
 Wooden Silk Box Rock Around Asia
 Book “Khon Masks & Thai Puppets”
 35,000 THB / 1,120 USD / 850 EUR
ROCK AROUND ASIA Art Gallery
Showroom Novotel Suvarnabhumi International Airport Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand
Internet www.rockaroundasia.com Email [email protected] Telephone +662 134 6147
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Totsakan
Proud of his invisible power, Tosakanth is determined
to make Sida his wife and wears a golden face to
make himself more attractive.
Features
 Height : 41 cm
 Weight : 500 gr
Package
 Totsakan Khon Mask
 Wooden Silk Box Rock Around Asia
 Book “Khon Masks & Thai Puppets”
 35,000 THB / 1,120 USD / 850 EUR
ROCK AROUND ASIA Art Gallery
Showroom Novotel Suvarnabhumi International Airport Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand
Internet www.rockaroundasia.com Email [email protected] Telephone +662 134 6147
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Thai Artist Samran
Nowadays, the artists who make the Khon mask have remained very less compared to the past from the
last generations. According to this trend, we would say that the number of artist is going less because of
different reasons. But what is important, we must to support and promote this field to accelerated
increase.
Samran Katejumrong has been originated to inherit and sustain this art treasure. He dedicated to
maintain Khon mask, which is one of the ten Thai artistries, to be strong and sustainable because this is
Thai entity.
Therefore we hope that, when people visit the website, read the information of Siranurak, and curious to
get the knowledge and be a part to preserve the Thai artistry to be last long from generations to
generations.
Biography
 Graduated from The Center for Education Karnjanapises, Bangkok (Painting & Khon)
 Specialist in Khon mask, ancient Khone mask, for both medium and big sizes, so that there are
many people support him and his art works.
ROCK AROUND ASIA Art Gallery
Showroom Novotel Suvarnabhumi International Airport Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand
Internet www.rockaroundasia.com Email [email protected] Telephone +662 134 6147
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Khon Mask Package
1 Khon Mask at your choice (see Ramakien charactere presentation above)
1 Rock Around Asia Thai Silk Box (1,6 kg)
1 Book Thai Puppets & Khon Mask by Natthapatra Chandavij and Proporn Praualratana (1 kg)
35,000 THB (Approx. 1,120 USD / 850 EUR)
ROCK AROUND ASIA Art Gallery
Showroom Novotel Suvarnabhumi International Airport Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand
Internet www.rockaroundasia.com Email [email protected] Telephone +662 134 6147
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Khon Masks Cabinet
10 Khon Masks at your choice (see Ramakien charactere presentation above)
10 Rock Around Asia Thai Silk Box (1,6 kg)
10 Book Thai Puppets & Khon Mask by Natthapatra Chandavij and Proporn Praualratana (1 kg)
1 Wooden glass cabinet (black & red, spotlights)
325,000 THB (Approx. 10,385 USD / 7,850 EUR)
ROCK AROUND ASIA Art Gallery
Showroom Novotel Suvarnabhumi International Airport Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand
Internet www.rockaroundasia.com Email [email protected] Telephone +662 134 6147
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To order Khon Mask (s)
All Khon Masks photographs available at ericmonteilphotography.com
To order, send us your message at [email protected] and please mention:
 Khon Mask(s) selected
 Shipping location
Payment
 PayPal
 International Bank Transfer
Contact
Eric Monteil & Annie Apiradee
Managing Directors
Rock Around Asia Art Gallery
www.rockaroundasia.com
ROCK AROUND ASIA Art Gallery
Showroom Novotel Suvarnabhumi International Airport Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand
Internet www.rockaroundasia.com Email [email protected] Telephone +662 134 6147
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