Journal of Asia Arts and Design

SYMBOLIC INTERPRETATION OF RITUAL ELEMENTS IN THE YIFAN FESTIVAL

Xingyu Huang — 2025-08-28

The Yifan Festival is the most representative traditional ritual of the Mulao ethnic group, with a history tracing back to the Ming Dynasty over 500 years ago. As a nationally recognized intangible cultural heritage in China, the festival not only serves the functions of prayer, gratitude, and social cohesion but also plays a crucial role in the cultural inheritance and identity formation of the Mulao people. Grounded in the theoretical frameworks of symbolic anthropology and symbolic interactionism, this study adopts a multi-method approach combining observr, and interviews with 24 participants including ritual masters and villagers, and participant observation during three full festival cycles.This research was conducted in Dawu and Sibazhen in Luocheng County, involving 3 ritual masters, 6 community elders, and 15 local participants.It focuses on the symbolic meanings embedded in core ritual elements such as the role of the shigong (ritual master), Nuo masks, deity paintings, ritual scriptures, and offerings. The findings reveal that the Yifan Festival establishes a spiritual connection between humans and ancestors, nature, and society through these richly symbolic material and immaterial elements. This process reflects and transmits the Mulao people's cosmology, belief systems, and cultural values. This paper aims to decode the symbolic cultural system embedded in the Yifan ritual and demonstrate its unique role in sustaining ethnic identity and safeguarding intangible heritage.

NEW BUDDHA STATUE RESEARCH: COMBINING THE FACIAL FEATURES OF THE BUDDHA IN CAVE 45 OF MOGAO GROTTOES IN CHINA WITH THE FACE OF THE PHRA SI RATTANA MAHATHAT BUDDHA IN THAILAND

Peng Li — 2025-08-28

This study aims to explore the combination of the Buddha statue in Cave 45 of Mogao Grottoes in China with the facial features of the Phra Si Rattana Mahathat Buddha in Thailand to create a new Buddha statue. Research objectives: (1) To study and analyze the historical, cultural, and artistic characteristics of the central Buddha "Shakyamuni Buddha" on the west wall of Cave 45 of Mogao Grottoes in China and the "Phra Si Rattana Mahathat Buddha" in Thailand. (2) To study and analyze the methods and forms of the half-knife clay porcelain-making technique in Jingdezhen. (3) To create a new Buddha statue based on the dynamic image of the Buddha in Cave 45 of Mogao Grottoes combined with the facial features of the Phra Si Rattana Mahathat Buddha in Thailand. This study employs the methods of literature research, field investigation, and creative research. The results show: (1) The artistic characteristics of the central Buddha "Shakyamuni Buddha" on the west wall of Cave 45 of Mogao Grottoes are: majestic and solemn image and posture, rich details and fine carving, and brilliant colors and background decorations. The artistic characteristics of the "Phra Si Rattana Mahathat Buddha" in Thailand are: material and craftsmanship—pure gold and alloy materials, facial appearance and posture—benevolent and serene, Sukhothai style—elegant and delicate. (2) The methods and forms of the half-knife clay porcelain-making technique in Jingdezhen are: the richness of carving techniques and the diversity of materials, the combination of glazes and decorations, extensive themes, and color contrasts. (3) By using the half-knife clay technique and combining the dynamic image of the Buddha in Cave 45 of Mogao Grottoes with the facial features of the Phra Si Rattana Mahathat Buddha in Thailand, a new Buddha statue is created.

APPLYING OF EDFAT THEORY ON PORTRAITURE OF THE KALOMESE IN LUANGPRABANG, LAOS PDR

Pat Kotchapakdee — 2025-08-28

This study applies the EDFAT theory comprising Entire, Details, Frame, Angle, and Time as a visual ethnographic framework to explore the portraiture of the Tai Lue Kalom community in Ban Nayang, Luang Prabang Province, Laos. The research aims to investigate how EDFAT-guided portrait photography can enhance both the technical and interpretive dimensions of ethnographic documentation, specifically focusing on elderly Kalomese men who retain traditional tattoos. These tattoos, often featuring motifs such as the "Mom" and "Phoenix," are believed by the community to hold cultural and identity significance. The objectives of the research are 1)To apply the EDFAT theory to the composition of portrait photography in ethnographic fieldwork and to document the remaining tattoo culture among the elderly as a form of intangible heritage preservation. Using qualitative methods—including in-depth interviews with key, general, and contextual informants, as well as field observations and visual analysis—the study identifies that the tattoo designs can be categorized into three body zones: top, middle, and bottom. Each element of the EDFAT model contributes uniquely to the creation of images that serve both as aesthetic portraits and ethnographic evidence. The findings affirm the capacity of EDFAT-based photography to function not only as a tool for cultural preservation but also as a method for interpreting meaning within visual anthropology. The portraits produced offer a compelling narrative that underscores the urgency of safeguarding the disappearing yet significant practice of tattooing within this ethnic community.

THE AESTHETIC OF OLD BUILDINGS IN SAVANNAKHET PROVINCE, LAO PEOPLE'S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC: TOWARD THE CREATION OF CONTEMPORARY PAINTINGS

RUEANGSAK PADTHAWARO — 2025-10-31

This creative research, titled “The Aesthetic Values of Historic Buildings in Savannakhet, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Towards the Creation of Contemporary Paintings”, aims to 1) investigate the aesthetic values of historic buildings in Savannakhet and 2) produce a series of contemporary paintings inspired by these aesthetics. The study involved 25 participants, including 10 experts, 10 practitioners, and 5 stakeholders. Data were collected through documentary research and fieldwork, including surveys, observations, and interviews. Analysis was conducted using historical perspectives, adaptive reuse concepts, and commodification theory. The creative process applied aesthetic theory and semiotic approaches, presenting findings through descriptive-analytical narratives supplemented with visual documentation. The study identified five dimensions of aesthetic value in historic buildings: 1) French colonial architectural styles, 2) adaptive reuse reflecting past–present coexistence, 3) materials and surfaces showing traces of time, 4) atmospheres conveying contemporary culture, and 5) narratives linking past and present. The creative process comprised content, semi-abstract form, and oil-on-canvas technique, with neon lighting symbolizing modernity and textured surfaces conveying temporal traces. The artworks reflect adaptive conservation concepts and reinterpret dynamic aesthetic values, bridging history, culture, and contemporary society. The study also proposes a framework for contemporary paintings integrating cultural landscapes, exemplifying the harmonious coexistence of old and new within a contemporary social context.

THE TRANSFORMATION OF AGRICULTURAL WEEDS SUCH AS SEDGE FOR DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT INTO ECO PRODUCT

ALISA CHOTINONPHICHA — 2025-10-31

The transformation of agricultural weeds such as sedge for design and development into eco products was the central focus of this research. The objectives were: (1) to process sedge, an agricultural weed, into usable materials; and (2) to design and develop eco-economic products derived from the processed sedge. This applied research employed interviews and questionnaires as primary research instruments. The sample consisted of three groups: nine community members engaged in sedge processing in Tha Chang Subdistrict, selected through simple random sampling; three design experts, selected through purposive sampling; and 50 consumers, selected through accidental sampling. The findings indicated that eco-economic products from sedge can be effectively developed by substituting nylon plastic warp threads with spun yarn blended with polyester and replacing chemical dyes with natural indigo. Furthermore, the *Rak Tha Chang* pattern, representing the cultural identity of Tha Chang Subdistrict, was identified, achieving a high mean score for design evaluation with a mean score 4.83 Four categories of eco-economic products were designed: a set of stool chairs, cushion pillows, seat pads, placemats, and coasters. The appropriateness of using biodegradable natural materials in these products was rated very highly, with a mean score 4.96

THE STUDY AND DESIGN OF A LOUNGE CHAIR INSPIRED BY THE IDENTITY OF TIN CHOK FABRIC IN SI SATCHANALAI, SUKHOTHAI

NABHAPOL MUNGPANKLANG — 2025-10-31

This research aimed to study and design a lounge chair that reflects the identity of Tin Chok fabric in Si Satchanalai, Sukhothai. The objectives were to investigate the distinctive identity of Tin Chok fabric, develop a lounge chair design inspired by this identity, and evaluate user satisfaction with the design. The study involved three experts in Tin Chok fabric and 40 participants, including tourists and local residents. Data were collected using interviews and questionnaires to assess user needs, preferences, and satisfaction with the chair designs.

The results revealed three key patterns of Tin Chok fabric: Nam Ang, Mon Sip Hok, and Si Kho. Lounge chairs designed based on these patterns received the highest satisfaction for modernity and appropriateness (mean = 4.34), followed by safety and durability (mean = 4.32), and functionality (mean = 4.02). These findings demonstrate the potential of applying local cultural identity in furniture design, enhancing both functional and aesthetic value.

The study indicates that integrating local textile heritage into product design not only preserves cultural identity but also creates differentiation and market opportunities. By combining traditional patterns with contemporary design principles, local products can meet modern user needs while maintaining cultural significance. This research serves as an example of how cultural identity can be effectively incorporated into design to produce functional, aesthetically appealing, and culturally meaningful furniture, bridging the gap between heritage and modern lifestyle trends.

GRAPHIC DESIGN PATTERNS TO COMMUNICATE THAI-DUM IDENTITY FOR GENERATION Y

ITSARIYAPHON CHAIKULAP — 2025-10-31

This research, "The Design of Repeating Graphic Patterns to Communicate Tai Dam Cultural Identity for Generation Y," aimed to: 1) study design guidelines for repeating graphic patterns that express Tai Dam culture; 2) identify communication approaches for Tai Dam cultural identity suitable for Generation Y; and 3) design products to communicate this identity to the target audience. The research methodology began with data analysis and interviews with local experts to establish design guidelines. These guidelines were then used to create repeating patterns by applying 8 principles of repetition (shape, size, color, texture, direction, position, space, and gravity) and 5 structural layouts (formal, semi-formal, informal, static, and active). The resulting designs were subsequently used as stimuli in a focus group discussion with members of Generation Y for evaluation. The findings revealed that: 1) Design guidelines for repeating graphic patterns representing Tai Dam culture were synthesized from five cultural root categories: attire, architecture, traditions, recreation, and beliefs, which reflect their past way of life. 2) The most effective communication approaches for Generation Y involved the use of organic, hand-drawn, and geometric shapes, with color personalities that were classic, dynamic, elegant, and natural. 3) The product designs that best meet the demands of the Generation Y target audience were shirts, pants, hats, mugs, and bags.

DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR THE GUEST CHAIR REFLECTING LAMPANG’S HORSE CARRIAGE IDENTITY

ARISA SUYAPAN — 2025-10-31

This research studied design guidelines for the guest chair reflecting Lampang’s horse carriage identity. The purposes of this research were: 1) to study Lampang’s horse carriage identity 2) to study design guidelines for the guest chair reflecting Lampang’s horse carriage identity 3) to study satisfaction of design guidelines for the guest chair reflecting Lampang’s horse carriage identity 4) to suggest design guidelines for the guest chair reflecting Lampang’s horse carriage identity. This research studied problem that had data collection process. The sample group was 50 tourists who used need questionnaire for studying Lampang’s horse carriage identity. The research used 5 experts. The need questionnaire used 5 level rating scale to analyze the percentage, mean scores, and standard deviation. The result of this research found that “horse carriage” was Lampang’ identity. The horse carriage was ancient vehicle of Lampang. From the questionnaire of sample groups, components of horse carriage that can be used as design guidelines were the wheels, the seats and the roofs. These components were Lampang’s horse carriage identity. The data were analyzed that found the wheels’ horse carriage was the best of Lampang’s horse carriage identity. The result found the satisfaction of design guidelines for the guest chair reflecting Lampang’s horse carriage identity was high scores in wheels’ horse carriage. The mean score was 4.32 in shape and using. The design guidelines for the guest chair reflecting Lampang’s horse carriage identity was the efficiency that achieved the purpose and conveyed the culture and identity of Lampang's horse carriages that continued to be beneficial to users.

THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPROVING GEMS OF BLUE SAPPHIRE FOR JEWELRY MAKING WITH THE CONCEPT OF DEVELOPING GEMSTONE CUTTING

CHUTAMAS DONONBAO — 2025-10-31

Research on the development and upgrading of sapphires for jewelry production with the concept of developing facets is a research and development using a combination of qualitative and quantitative research and participation. The objectives of the research are (1) to synthesize suitable shapes and cutting styles for sapphires used in jewelry, and (2) to design and develop sapphire gemstones using facet development principles. A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating both qualitative and quantitative research, along with participatory techniques. The study was conducted with the Ban Bo Kaeo Gem and Jewelry Group, located in Sai Yoi Subdistrict, Den Chai District, Phrae Province, using purposive sampling. Three research instruments were utilized: interviews, questionnaires, and focus group discussions. Data were analyzed using statistical software, with percentage, mean, and standard deviation as key metrics. The research was conducted synthesizing sapphire shapes plays a crucial role in minimizing raw material loss and maximizing the aesthetic potential of the gemstones. Popular and suitable shapes include: Oval reduces material loss and enhances color saturation.Cushion adds soft brilliance.Round though it may result in higher material loss, it offers excellent symmetry and sparkle, making it ideal for high-quality sapphires.Pear suitable for luxurious jewelry designs and visually enlarges the gemstone. In terms of design and development, the study emphasizes tailoring sapphire shapes based on the raw crystal structure and light dispersion direction. Oval and cushion cuts are preferred for maximizing material usage, while round cuts are ideal for high-quality sapphires due to balanced light reflection. Pear and marquise shapes help increase perceived value and size.

DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR PUBLIC SEATING BASED ON THE IDENTITY OF THE PHI TA KHON TRADITION, DAN SAI DISTRICT, LOEI PROVINCE

THANYAPAK THIDEJ — 2025-10-31

The purpose of this research is fourfold: 1) to examine the cultural identity of the Phi Ta Khon tradition in Dan Sai District, Loei Province 2) to develop public seating designs that incorporate elements of this cultural identity 3) to assess consumer satisfaction with the public seating design derived from the cultural identity of the Phi Ta Khon tradition, Dan Sai District, Loei Province 4) to propose design guidelines for public seating derived from the cultural identity of the Phi Ta Khon tradition in Dan Sai District, Loei Province. The research was conducted according to the following steps : 1) Data collection through open-ended questionnaires administered to staff of the Phi Ta Khon Museum, along with surveys of 50 tourists selected via simple random sampling to identify user needs. The research instruments included standardized checklist questionnaires employing a rating scale. 2) Questionnaires were distributed to five specialists to obtain their opinions and suggestions. These were divided into two groups: Group 1 consisted of three experts in Phi Ta Khon craftsmanship, and Group 2 included two experts in furniture design, In addition, interviews with local sage specializing in Phi Ta Khon knowledge. Experts were selected via purposive sampling. Finally, tourist satisfaction with the prototype of public seating designs was assessed through surveys of 50 respondents. Survey responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including percentages, arithmetic means, and standard deviations. The findings revealed that tourists reported the highest level of satisfaction with the public seating design derived from the cultural identity of the Phi Ta Khon tradition in Dan Sai District, Loei Province. Among the prototypes, Design 2 received the highest approval, achieving an average satisfaction score of average 4.62.