Splendor of Fruit Carving at DC Flower Mart 2016

On April 6, 2016,  Ambassador Pisan Manawapat and his spouse, Wanchana, attended the inaugural ceremony of the Centennial All Hallows Guild’s Flower Mart 2016 at the National Cathedral in Washington DC.  The Royal Thai Embassy was among DC based embassies that participated in the two-day annual floral display run continuously by AHG since 1954.

This year, the Royal Thai Embassy showcases floral fruit carving, a venerable tradition practiced in the Kingdom’s palaces since the Sukhothai  era some 700 years ago. The tradition is regarded as one of the finest Thai crafts.
Upon entering the Washington’s magnificent Cathedral on the left, visitors were impressed by the display of how pumpkins, melons, papayas, carrots and practically all kinds of fruits and vegetables can be carved and transformed into works of art.

The display was designed by Wanchana and meticulously carved by Mr. Prateep Chaiseema, talented staff of the Thai Ambassador’s residence.  The Wooden basketwork seems to perfectly match Thai fresh orchids imported from Thailand. The display will last till Saturday May 7, Mr. Prateep will demonstrate his talent on fruit and vegetable carvings again from 13.00 – 14.00 hrs at the National Cathedral.