Thailand's shimmering hand - woven silk
is among its most famous products.
Silk manufacture is an ancient craft but
until recently it was never a major it
em
of trade for production was too limited in older times. This
was always the labour of village women who spun, dyed and wove
the fabrics only when their work in field and home allowed time.
Nor was silk for everyday wear being reserved for such festive
occasions as marriages and other important ceremonies.
Nowadays there are factories making Thai
silk on a larger scale, but the finest qualities are still produced
on hand looms in villages where old skill are lovingly passed
from one generation to the next. Most regions of Thailand have
their own typical silks which are especially prized. Of all these
the "Mud - Mee" tie - dyed design and "Phumriang"
brocades are considered outstanding.
Phumriang is a village in Surat Thani province where
an old lady named Mrs. Riam Wanmukda was renowned for exquisite weaving.
Originally only plant dyes were used, distilled from roots, bark and
leaves, but today chemical dyes are preferred for their brighter colours.
Modern designs have also joined the traditional pattern. Particular
to Phumriang is the use of gold threads in the complex designs. The
result is a rich brocade that is more than a handicraft, it is truly
a treasure.
Besides plain and printed silks, a number
of special weaves have become celebrated. One of these is called
"mudmee", a specialty of the northeast. Mudmee is produced
by a tie - dye process: the silk thread is wound around two poles
whose length equals the width of the cloth, after which it is
tied (mud) at various places according to the design. The thread
is then dyed and spun on a shuttle. Other kind of Northeastern
textiles include tin chok and Phrae Wa cloth.
Information from Thai Studies by
Assist. Prof. Wadee Kheourai
Pictures by: Gor Daoruang
