Using Lacquer in the Conservation of Lanna Arts

Abstract

This academic article aimed to study the use of lacquer in Lanna arts and to study the conservation process of Lanna arts. The results of the study found that most of the production sources of Yangrak used for conservation comes from the northern region of Thailand, especially in the area of Omkoi District, Chiang Mai Province and Mae Hong Son Province. However, when local Yangrak is not enough for use, it is found that technicians will buy raw Yangrak from Burma as well. Yangrak is put to use in artistic work as gold leaf adhesive (glue) in decorating gold leaf, silver leaf, gold powder, and various kinds of precious metal powder, which in the conservation process is called “gilding work” that is divided into 3 types: solid gold gilding work, Long Chad gilding work, and gold-stencil work. In this Study, it is found that the technicians use conversation techniques Called of “solid gold gilding work” to make religious sites and religious objects durable and can be used for a longer time. In addition, Yangrak has been found to be used in Buddhist art works, namely gilding work on the edges of palm leaves. There is also a belief in Buddhism that gilding is done to create beauty and increase faith. Buddhists believe that gilded Buddha images bring merit into the heavenly world and make ones have fair skin. It is a method of making merit that relies on the cooperation of all Buddhists.