Made by hand. When those words are spoken, I’m putty in your hands.
Deep into the bowels of Bangkok, Ban Baht to be exact, one will find a small alleyway with a few families making alms bowls by hand. In other words…this is a big deal because the majority of alms bowls in Thailand are made in factories. But here, we’re talking the real deal…like hammering steel into bowls with a small mallet…by hand. Like how they did it a thousand years ago. The factory ones are easy to dent, don’t have copper welding lines and are black by using spray paint. You won’t find that here in Ban Baht – translated – “house of bowls.”
So let’s start with the alms bowls. We’ll get to more of an explanation in an upcoming post, but in a nutshell it’s the most important object in the daily life of a monk…as pictured in the following photo. An object – a bowl – in which to collect money or food.
As one winds their way through the tangled web of back streets, you’ll begin to hear the muffling sounds of clanging and banging. Then out of nowhere this adorable little man (pictured below) appears, eager to be an escort for the final few steps.
Before you know it you’ll be following another family member down a dark alley through more back streets (and slums!) not realizing until you get there you’ll about to meet one of the masters…Amorn Kuldiloksampan. The bowls are made from eight strips of metal, representing spokes of the Dharma wheel which is the symbol of Buddhism. They’re prized by collectors, particularly when decorated and lacquered. Sold! I’m now a proud owner of a hand-made decorated alms bowel made by Mr. Kuldiloksampan and couldn’t be happier!
An adventure for sure and certainly a highlight for me during my short stay in Bangkok. I love people, the hand-made, and always the uncertainty of not knowing where I’m going…so it was just perfect! Let’s just hope this art will continue to be passed on to future generations for many centuries to come. A must if you ever visit this part of the world.
shooter says
Robin happy new year to you, I love this group my favourite is the last one
Virginia says
Can’t wait to see it for real next time I come to visit…SCORE!!! Love it and you. XoXo & More!!!
Susan says
Beautiful, special bowls … adorable escort!
I would have loved to have been holding your hand thru those walk ways, enjoying each adventure and meeting that master, how marvelous!
Astrid says
This experience must have been fabulous, but then, you have the ability to meet special people. To own a treasure like this is unique. Fabulous pictures but the master himself, is my favorite.
Looking forward for more 🙂
Ginnie says
Everything about this post is sooooo YOU, Robin. i love it for you that you had this experience…and for us to see it through your eyes. So now I wonder where you will be putting this special bowl???
Lisa Bader says
So exciting to be able to take home such a treasure. I hope to be able to see it one day, too.
Great post and great photos. So fascinating, I feel like I am right there with you, Robin. Oh, if only!
I always learn so much from you. What a difference in cultures. The bowl is so imprtant to the monks, they are walking, holding their bowls and I think of the common images of life here in our culture, where everyone is holding and using their cell phones. Oh, how important their electronic devices are to them.
I love your adorable guide and I love the capture in black and white. A real Nat Geo moment.
So glad you had a wonderful trip abd look forward to seeing more.
Love you, Dear Robin.
CO
Karen says
Spectacular! There is always a surprise when the daring traveller leaves the well trodden path! Love the story behind the bowls and the portrait of the little man? Priceless….
Katrin says
Your portraits are simply the best! And congratulations to your bowl – it definitely sounds like a real treasure.
Abby says
The bowl will be your Buddhist reminder of the beauty of emptiness, it’s not about filling the bowl but enjoying the void.
Your b/w photos are spectacular. You talent is in capturing expressions.
Eclaire says
I love Abby’s words on the bowl! The master is my favorite pic!!
Mary says
Outstanding images!
And if by chance you missed my response to your comment on my blog, I just want to wish you all the best in 2014! I, too, look forward to following you and your amazing blog in this new year! xox~M
Elena Caravela says
STunning images Robin! One more gorgeous than the next.
Rue Du Lavoir says
Beautiful experience. Great work.