Family heirlooms not only pass on monetary and sentimental value from parents to children, but offer a trove of multi-generational lore for which no price can be estimated. Saisa Amranand is invited by several prominent members of society to view their family’s most prized possessions and hear the heart-warming stories behind them
Found in keepsake boxes, cabinets, display cases, safety deposit boxes and even hanging on walls, heirlooms are those special possessions that family members pass down from generation to generation. They can range from a humble, old-fashioned trinket to costly rings or necklaces, an aged painting or a crumbling sculpture. Whether of no value or priceless, in perfect condition or scratched and dented, they are treasures that speak volumes of one’s origins and serve as a mirror with which to view the present and compare the past. Thailand Tatler meets six society figures that trace their family histories through cherished heirlooms that they have inherited.
ML Laksasubha Kridakon
Having owned the crystal shop, Krystalina, it is no surprise to see ML Laksasubha Kridakon unveil a set of Belgian Val St Lambert crystal as her favourite heirloom. “Some were given to me and some I bought,” shares the mother of two. Two bottles belonged to her grandmother, HSH Princess Charupatra Abhakara, who later gave them to Laksasubha’s mother, Abha Kridakon. “I received them when I was about nine or 10 Family heirlooms not only pass on monetary and sentimental value from parents to children, but offer a trove of multi-generational lore for which no price can be estimated. Saisa Amranand is invited by several prominent members of society to view their family’s most prized possessions and hear the heart-warming stories behind them years old,” ML Laksasubha says. The collection consists of 10 items. “From 1991 to 1993, I was living in the Czech Republic where my former husband, Kobsak Chutikul, served as Thai ambassador. While sightseeing near the border of France and Belgium we found these great antique fairs where I came across Val St Lambert crystal,” the owner of First Steps International Pre-School and Baan Laksasubha resort in Hua Hin shares. It took her several trips
to Europe to assemble the current collection. “I was very specific about what I wanted and told the antique dealer at the fair that I would be back the next month so she should keep searching for more Val St Lambert crystal,” ML Laksasubha says with a laugh. “The collection carries great sentimental value as I was very close to my grandmother. During my childhood my father, MR Suthiswasdi Kridakon, was an ambassador in France and Argentina and my grandmother visited me regularly to help raise me,” she reveals. “Her character was very much like these crystals: sweet, delicate and fragile. I link them with her.” Adding to this collection is a modern lotus crystal ware. The lotus was given to her by the First Lady of the Czech Republic, Livia Klausova. “She personally gave it to me and it speaks a great deal about my relationship to the country.” The sparkling Val St Lambert crystal used to grace the dressing table of HSH Princess Charupatra Abhakara, then that of Abha Kridakon and are now on ML Laksasubha’s dressing table, storing perfumes and cotton buds. In the future, the crystal will be passed on to her 22-year-old daughter, Abhasiri Chutikul. “I hope she will be able to expand the collection,” ML Laksasubha says.
Khunying Songsuda Yodmani
Looking at a wooden mother-of-pearl Chinese cupboard, Khunying Songsuda Yodmani’s mind floods with memories of her grandfather, Major Luang Chob Krabuanyudh. “Old things of his trigger all sorts of stories and memories about him,” reveals the mother of three sons. “They take me back to the time when I gave birth to my second boy. While I was waiting in the hospital room, in labour pain and full of anticipation, the doctor told me the delivery wouldn’t be any time soon. The person that flashed into my mind was my grandfather who had passed away just two months before. I asked for his help. I desperately wanted to deliver this child as soon as possible. When the nurse came to check on me, she ran to get the doctor; I was ready.”
This antique cupboard came into her possession when her grandfather passed away 38 years ago. It was among his mother-of-pearl inlaid furniture collection that includes tables, chairs and a mirror. “The collection was divided between his eight grandchildren through a draw,” Khunying Songsuda reveals. Out of it, she received two pieces of the collection, this cupboard and a mirror. “My grandfather was an enthusiastic antique collector. He liked to buy pieces from China and also Thai relics from a shop called Jin Thong Dee near Nakhon Kasem,” says the daughter of the late Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn and Thanpuying Chongkol. “The mother-of-pearl collection was one of his favourites. I think he purchased this cupboard over 60 years ago, so surely it’s at least that old, but could have been made 100 or more years ago.”
Inside the cupboard is a mixture of things old and new, most of them items of Chinese clay pot pottery.“The cupboard is in the living room where guests can marvel at it. The mother-of-pearl work is intricate; even without polishing them they seem to glisten,” says the wife of Dr Suvit Yodmani. She confesses that she is not an antique aficionado like her grandfather. “I am not fond of buying old things that used to belong to someone else. But if they are heirlooms laden with emotional relevance from earlier generations then they are certainly worthy of keeping and passing on to the next generation.”
Nadhawan Tanyongmas
A wooden-framed glass case holds two miniature traditional Thai-costumed dolls along with two monkeys, a crocodile and a tiger. Laid on a green patch of grass are tiny stones and plants. A swing is suspended from a tree. Fallen leaves and twigs are scattered around. The cracks and fractures in the figures and setting indicate the age of this antique diminutive scene. In awe of the piece’s intricate complexity is owner Nadhawan Tanyongmas. “These are characters from Thai literature’s Laksanawong. It’s the scene where Pra Laksanawong goes into the forest in search of his mother who has been kidnapped by a giant. During the hunt, he meets Thipgaysorn, a girl raised by a hermit. The two spend time together as depicted in this scene. As you can see, the varied textures of their once-gleaming gold garments are specked with red and green hues,” she says with genuine marvel.
As the general manager of the Support Foundation of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, Nadhawan oversees the orgainisation’s day-today operations. The foundation promotes handicrafts from various villages in Thailand. “Thais have a deep artistry running through them. Just look at these exquisite dolls. My long relationship with this treasure may be the reason why I am so fascinated by Thai handicrafts,” she says. Indeed, Nadhawan has known this beloved relic since she was a little girl. “It originally belonged to my great aunt, Khunying Sai Srisakonkrainuchit, who gave it to my great grandmother, Juan Rojanapradit, who then passed it down to my grandmother, Khunying Prapa Dhamasiri, and then to me as my marriage present nine years ago,” the mother of two boys relates. “My grandmother knew I’d take good care of this antique treasure.”
Vimolpatra Tunganaga
A Sema First Class, a precious diamond pendant that was created especially for King Rama VI to bestow on his most beloved subjects hangs elegantly on the pearl necklace clasped around Vimolpatra, or Mieng, Tunganaga’s neck. A rare design that always prompts people to ask about its origin, the glistening pendant was first given to HSH Princess Barabimol (Voravarn) Rajani, Vimolpatra’s great grandmother. “Sema pendants have five ranks. First class is covered with diamonds and is the highest rank,” explains MR Datchrabimol Tunganaga, Vimolpatra’s mother.
Presented to MR Datchrabimol when she was 12 years old, the Sema was her first valuable jewellery. “It was given to me in 1961 by my grandmother, HSH Princess Barabimol, to wear at the funeral of King Rama VI’s wife, Princess Consort Laksamilawan. I couldn’t go to the funeral because I was sick in bed with a cold, but I wore the Sema anyway,” MR Datchrabimol reveals. The next descendant to inherit it will be Mieng, her only daughter, who currently does public relations work for the First Royal Project Museum. “This heirloom is our favourite,” Mieng shares. “It’s a magnificent accessory on a traditional Thai dress or a glamorous gown,” says the granddaughter of HSH Prince Bhisadej Rajani.
Choosing to pair the Sema pendant with a pearl necklace, the diamonds and pearls make a timeless combination. “It never goes out of style, whatever era it is,” Mieng says. “It doesn’t look ostentatious and it’s wonderful how you can easily change the necklace.” When wearing it she keeps the rest of her outfit simple. “My colour tone is dark and it works splendidly with diamonds and pearls. Anyone with a knowledge of jewellery recognises its elaborate design and sophisticated workmanship.”
As the mother and daughter duo take turns wearing the heirloom, Mieng professes, “I am proud of its history and now we have become a part of that history.” MR Datchrabimol adds, “It has been touched by our great ancestors. To me, it’s both jewellery and a sacred charm that protects us.”
ML Apichit Vudhijaya
Antique pieces are so abundant in ML Apichit’s house that it’s become hard for him to remember when each piece was given to him. Lining the living room are shelves and cabinets of photographs, documents, silverware and assorted history books, among them an antique silver metal box. ML Apichit explains that in the old days, a box such as this was created especially for royalty and given during special occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries. “This box was made for one of the sons of King Rama V, HRH Prince Vudhijaya Chalermlabh, who was my great grandfather and also the patriarch of the Vudhijaya lineage. The box was given to him on his 36th birthday in 1919,” explains the father of two.
Acquired from his father when ML Apichit was 11 years old, he did not realise its true value back then. “I had slathered it in pink paint,” he recalls. But now, the cherished heirloom is placed on top of a cabinet that houses photographs of his ancestors, including Kings Rama IV, Rama V, Rama VI, Rama VII and Rama VIII and a couple of King Rama I medallions. “This is where I pay respect to the prominent figures of my roots,” ML Apichit shares.
These family relics also come in handy for his creative work. “As I’m always having to brainfrom storm ideas, being around these old and stately items sometimes gives me inspiration,” the marketing director says. Unlike many who keep their antiques displayed in glass cabinets, ML Apichit does the opposite. “We are not putting an antique show rather we lay them as objects of everyday use.”
By conserving and taking care of the belongings that once belonged to his ancestors, it’s as if he has somehow come to know them a little better. “I am immensely fortunate to have been born into a family with such distinguished origins. Heirlooms are reminders that help sustain and refresh our identities. They are irreplaceable, one of a kind and part of Thai history; therefore, they should be preserved,” he says.
ML Kwankamol Thongyai
Although she is not into antiques there are certain family-related articles that ML Kwankamol Thongyai has a strong attachment to, like a framed photograph of King Rama V. “My father, MR Thepkamol Devakula, received it from my grandfather, HSH Prince Wongsanuvatra Devakula,” says ML Kwankamol. The wife of ML Kathathong Thongyai stumbled upon the photograph when some of her parents’ belongings were stored at her house. “My father worked for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs so he travelled a lot,” she explains. At the bottom of the photograph are King Rama V’s signature and a short phrase bestowing it to HRH Prince Devawongse Varopakarn, the patriarch of the Devakula line. “When I saw this photograph I thought it was beautiful. My mother, Khunying Kwanta Devakula, knew my appreciation of it so she told me to keep it well,” she recounts.
Along with this photograph there are other images in a series of varying sizes, some of which are with her father and mother. Nevertheless, ML Kwankamol is most attached to this image of her regal ancestor. “The Devakulas are actually descendants of King Rama IV, but my grandmother’s bloodline, HSH Princess Kamala Pramodya Kitiyakara, is a descendant of King Chulalongkorn,” ML Kwankamol clarifies.
This vice president of Singaporean-based EFG Bank chooses not to display the esteemed photograph openly, but rather hangs it in the private prayer room in her house. “To me, it’s not a decorative item, but instead, an object endowed with great sentimental value. It speaks of my early ancestry, of my heritage that I worship and respect. I feel that keeping it in the prayer room is the perfect choice where I can both pray and pay homage to my predecessor.”