Dragon Cafe sculptures, Art installation in Tambon Maklua Mai, Thailand
The Dragon Cafe sculptures consist of 88 figures carved from teak tree roots and distributed across the property to form an outdoor art gallery. The works display dragons in various sizes and poses that structure the space and invite exploration throughout the grounds.
A retired teacher began carving dragons from discarded tree roots several decades ago and created a long-term artistic endeavor. This commitment transformed a local property into a site of cultural interest in the region.
The dragon figures hold meaning in Thai beliefs as symbols of protection and fortune, and the works show how local artisans transform natural materials into spiritual forms. Visitors can observe carving techniques that have been passed down through generations in the region.
Visitors should wear comfortable shoes since the grounds invite walking and exploration with potentially uneven paths. The best time to visit is during cooler hours in early morning or late afternoon.
Each of the 88 figures appears to shift when viewed from different angles, creating an optical effect of movement. This effect emerges from the natural contours and curves of the material that the artist integrated into the carving technique.
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