From wet plate collodion ambrotypes to ceramic art panels, a collection that preserves images of Somdej Phra Buddhachan Toh Phromarangsi by PixCera with contemporary photographer Chardchakaj Waikawee
When speaking of something valuable, beautiful, durable and timeless, ceramic comes to mind. PixCera, Thailand's leading ceramic brand, brings the value and beauty of ceramic to another level by creating masterpieces under the concept "Fine Customized Ceramic", presenting ceramic in various forms from architecture and interior design to utensils and art, including old images worthy of preserving on ceramic panels so that they can remain beautiful and stand the test of time.
An iconic material like ceramic can keep art alive. PixCera has collaborated with photographer Chardchakaj Waikawee in a special project, "CHARDCHAKAJ x PIXCERA", to introduce a special collection of images of Somdej Phra Buddhachan Toh Phromarangsi in ceramic art panels. Somdej Phra Buddhachan Toh Phromarangsi is also known as Somdej Wat Rakhang and is among the most renowned monks in Thailand, revered by many Buddhist Thais from the past to the present. These old images are assumed to have been taken in 1864 by Francis Chit, the first professional photographer in Thailand in the reign of King Rama IV, using wet plate collodion ambrotypes. There are only three images found, and Chardchakaj used the original ambrotypes to restore and print in high resolution on ceramic panels, creating remarkable and auspicious pieces that help preserve a piece of history.
Chardchakaj Waikawee, a world-renowned contemporary photographer, talked about this project. "Each photo has its own value as it keeps a memory alive for you to cherish. As time goes by, it can become invaluable. This is why I want to preserve some images so they can continue to live. In this collaboration with PixCera, I am confident that such rare and valuable images from over a century ago of Somdej Phra Buddhachan Toh Phromarangsi are brought back to life once again. I want to make sure that they are well-preserved for the next generation to keep, so that their historical value does not fade away with time."
Ceramic is a special material as it is durable and easy to maintain, and the color does not fade. Its special features, combined with the indescribable value of these old images of Somdej Phra Buddhachan Toh Phromarangsi in full clarity from original wet plate collodion ambrotypes, are translated into premium ceramic panels that are uniquely beautiful, with value that will not fade with time. They are valuable items worth collecting, gifting or worshipping in any era.
Cholthicha Bandapraneat, Managing Director of PixCera, talked about this collaboration project. "PixCera is delighted to embark on this significant project with a leading photographer in Thailand who recognizes the importance of maintaining valuable ancient images. In this project, we both share the same objective in preserving and promoting the value of photography and art so that they can remain through the test of time. The CHARDCHAKAJ x PIXCERA collection aims to preserve and pass on old images of Somdej Phra Buddhachan Toh Phromarangsi, which are historical and valuable images. These images have been preserved all these times, and now the next generation can also admire and worship them. We believe that presenting ancient images through an advanced ceramic technique such as in this project not only preserves the images for a long time, but also makes these valuable images a true legacy that can be passed on from generation to generation."
Those who are interested in learning more about the inspiration behind bringing wet plate collodion ambrotypes from 157 years ago back to life on ceramic art panels in the Somdej Phra Buddhachan Toh Phromarangsi collection by "CHARDCHAKAJ x PIXCERA" can visit this link
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