Gashapon: “Upchao” (Junks Ballast Statue)
Gashapon has been one of the most popular collectibles among children and teenagers for quite some time now.
Gashapon refers to small toys, most often model figures from anime cartoons or games, intended for display, collecting, or play. The toys or models are contained within a plastic capsule or a small plastic box, which in turn is dispensed from a gashapon machine. Users who insert a coin and turn the knob receive a random gashapon, without knowing which specific model they will get.
The “Upchao” Gashapon at Wat Arun Ratchawararam features artworks by Komkrit Tepthian, an artist who creates unique pieces by observing contemporary elements and then delving into historical research.
During the Bangkok Art Biennale 2018, Komkrit’s notable work was “Twin Giants.” His “Upchao” Gashapon project began with exploring the meaning of upchao and surveying the upchao statues within the temple grounds. He categorized them into eight types: military officials, naval officers, giant soldiers, goddesses, Han Xiangzi (one of the Eight Immortals), monkeys holding peaches with their young, garudas, and crocodiles. These categories then inspired the miniature upchao figures placed inside the gashapon capsules, each integrated with QR codes. This feature allows the miniature figure to act as a “petit tour guide,” narrating stories and leading visitors to explore Wat Arun and locate the real upchao statues within the temple.
Image: “Upchao” Gashapon by Komkrit Tepthian
(Source: https://adaymagazine.com/komkrit-tepthian-gachapon-upchao/)
