Thai antiques enjoy a world-wide reputation for their quality and craftsmanship, so Bangkok is naturally a good place to purchase these wonderful items. One should always be aware that real Thai antiques are both rare and expensive. For this reason, many Bangkok antique stores stock both genuine antiques and more modern reproductions intended for less discerning shoppers.
Luckily, most shop owners tend to be fairly open about what is a genuine antique and what is a more modern piece. However, because of the popularity of Asian décor, modern does not necessarily mean worse. Some superb reproduction pieces are available that could grace any home in the world. Real or not, Bangkok Thai antique shops are numerous.
Buddhist art has thrived in the region for more than 1000 years and produced some extraordinary work that reflects the thriving cultures under the stability of the Angkhor, Lop Buri, Lanna, Sukhothai and Ayuthaya eras. Distinctive styles evolved from each era and greater Siam left an enormous legacy of fine art behind. Many superb pieces can be found in the National Museum and other institutions in the country maintained by the Department of Fine Arts. Much of it is religious, including Buddha statues and images made from wood, bronze, stone and glass. Even markets in historic towns, such as Chiang Saen in the north, display a treasure trove of pieces that have been dug up after decades and present some good opportunities for treasure hunters.
Some truly valuable and aged pieces continue to arrive from Burma and Laos, smuggled from these two countries who fail to retain their heritage artefacts. However, any Buddhist statue leaving the country of Thailand should, in theory, have a certificate of approval from the Ministry of Culture, but the dealer or shop would be able to provide this.
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