The Object
Are You Feeling Very Diamond?
Established in 1973, Diamond Brand Co., Ltd. began with products of aluminum kitchenware, steel nails, and mosquito nets. Since 1986, their company expanded into stainless steel kitchenware, sinks, and water tanks. As well as gas rice cookers. By 1995, they expanded further developing septic tanks and grease traps.
Object in Question
The object I've decided to focus my research on is an aluminum water pitcher paired with an aluminum casket meant to catch the water when poured. Both objects are very ornately designed. The pitcher, shaped like a tea pot, has an overarching design of flowers and small dots spun throughout its midsection. The flowers themselves could be a simpler design of Thailand's national flower,
ratchaphruek. Its spout heralds more of a linear design, also reminiscent of plant life. The pitcher's lid, however, share more graphic design elements than found object design.
Object in Question
The lid of the water pitcher holds a design that heralds back to a well-known religious motif. The design, especially near the topper to move the lid, is very reminiscent of a religious mandala. Though, with the sharp distinction of the lines, its can be seen as a more modern depiction than anything. Though, with this motif noted, it can be inferred that this set possibly could have been used for religious or ritual purposes.
Object in Question
The casket meant to catch the water is shorter in stature than the pitcher, but obviously a lot wider. The design on the casket appears to be more detailed than its partner. In the middle section, the design is bordered by little flowers all the way around. The rest of the design appears to be segmented. The segments look to be shaped somewhat like dangling fabric, curved lines that give off a bulbous edge. Inside the lines appears to be a more detailed version of the design spotted on the pitcher. The flower design is very prominent, with stronger detailing of the flower since there are only three to each section.
Object in Question
The top lid of the casket shares the same flower bordering that the outer midsection debuted. And much like the lid of the pitcher, the entire design of the lid of the casket mirrors themes present in mandalas. Although, as with the pitcher lid, the lines of the design featured are more severe and sharp. There are obvious holes punctured on the top of the lid, for when the water is poured it has a way to fall into the casket.
Songkran
Water Water Everywhere...
Picture this: an actual, meaningful moment of reflection, and cleansing that moves far beyond the 'New Year, New Me' western perspective. Welcome to Songkran: Thailand's New Year Celebration. Held in April, the world view perspective is that of a culturally ambiguous water wonderland.
A Little Background Knowledge
The term 'songkran' comes from Sanskrit. Roughly translated, it means shift or movement. In Buddhist scripture, Songkran originated from the death of Kapila Brahma.
Traditions
Songkran holds various traditions during its time of celebration. Visiting local temples, and offering food to the monks is a usual occurrence. Song Nam Phra, the ritual of pouring sacred water over Buddha images and statues, can happen in places as a sacred as temples or as secular as stores. Song Man Phra also becomes intimate between family members known as Rod Nam Dam Hua, where the younger members of the family pour water and cleanse the hands and feet of the older members. As a whole, the ritual brings about purification and cleansing one's sins and bad karma.
Connections
Photographic Evidence
In the following pages, I have detailed photographic evidence of objects being used during Rod Nam Dam Hua. Most of the photographs themselves are stock images dating back to 2009. While it's uncertain as to if there can be a full connection to my found object, pay attention to the design, detailing, and materials used to create the cups and bowls. They and my found object have pretty distinct similarities.
Sources
Sources
"Diamond Brand Co., Ltd." HKTDC. Accessed April 09, 2019. https://www.hktdc.com/manufacturers-suppliers/Diamond-Brand-Co-Ltd/en/1X08FV3C/.
Limited, Alamy. "Stock Photo - Songkran Festival Is New Year in Thailand, Water Blessing Ceremony of Adults." Alamy. Accessed April 09, 2019. https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-songkran-festival-is-new-year-in-thailand-water-blessing-ceremony-....
"Religious Rituals and the World's Biggest Water Party: Songkran in Thailand." Green Pearls - the Future of Traveling. April 12, 2018. Accessed April 09, 2019. https://www.greenpearls.com/blog/songkran-in-thailand/.
Limited, Alamy. "Stock Photo - Songkran Festival Is New Year in Thailand, Water Blessing Ceremony of Adults." Alamy. Accessed April 09, 2019. https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-songkran-festival-is-new-year-in-thailand-water-blessing-ceremony-....
"Religious Rituals and the World's Biggest Water Party: Songkran in Thailand." Green Pearls - the Future of Traveling. April 12, 2018. Accessed April 09, 2019. https://www.greenpearls.com/blog/songkran-in-thailand/.
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Are You Feeling Very Diamond?
Object in Question
Object in Question
Water Water Everywhere...
A Little Background Knowledge
Traditions
Traditions
Photographic Evidence
Photographic Evidence
Photographic Evidence
Photographic Evidence
Photographic Evidence