A Study of Gingerbread-Style Woodcarving Patterns in the Chanthaboon Riverside Community for the Creation of New Pattern Designs

Abstract

This article explores the design of Gingerbread Woodcut Pattern found in the Chantaboon riverside community, Chanthaburi Province. The objective is to study, document, and replicate existing woodcut patterns used to decorate remaining historical buildings. These patterns serve as the foundation for analysis and inspiration for new designs based on traditional motifs. The research incorporates data from field surveys and studies of the Chantaburi artisan tradition, identifying ten existing woodcut patterns. These were analyzed to highlight key design features and redeveloped using four symmetry theories: Translation Symmetry, Reflection Symmetry, Glide Reflection Symmetry, and Rotation Symmetry. The findings show that “single motifs” can be effectively extracted and adapted into new designs, offering greater design potential than more complex, interconnected “vine-like motifs.” Particularly, Pattern 7.3, arranged using Glide Reflection Symmetry and derived from a balcony fretwork design, was adapted into ceramic product decoration. The resulting pattern exhibits a distinctive identity, creating a new design for Chanthaburi ceramics that harmoniously blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics.