Fruits and Vegetable Carving: Development of Carving Patterns for Banquets

Fruits and Vegetable carvings is an indigenous art and a distinct cultural heritage of Thailand which has been passed down since the Sukhothai period and revitalized during the early era of the Chakri Dynasty and has been widely diffused to the general public in the current reign of King Rama IX. The main purpose of fruits and vegetable carvings is to accompany gourmet dishes of palace meals and for religious offerings. The carving patterns are replicas of nature which is simple and pleasant. Most problems are similar issues, issues such as quality of raw materials, design, development patterns, lack of knowledge and creating economic value. A development guideline for fruits and vegetable carvings is the creating a balance between appropriateness of the carvings to the dishes being served and also the occasion and location of the banquet. Patterns and designs mostly utilize the arrangement of the carvings into long boats which provide the feelings of the richness of the meal. The carvings must emphasize hygienic and good taste. The carvings must be designed to be proportionally appropriate with the plate and with the type of plates served. Carving patterns can be further developed by modifying and adapting from traditional patterns with creativity to develop newer patterns and designs. Developed patterns and designs should be practically applied, taught, trained and displayed in banquets during traditional festivals and celebrated activities.