A majority of these hand-woven silk brocades are supplementary weft weaving from Laos. A few are hand-woven in the northeastern part of Thailand, or what we call “E-Sarn”.
Dominant colors are black, brown, crimson, green, indigo, light blue, lilac, orange, purple, turquoise and yellow. Gold thread represents the sands of the great Mekong river, which has its origin in the Tibetan highland plateau 2,800 miles away and runs through China, Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam before flowing out into the South China Sea. The Mekong's Vietnamese name, Cuu Long, means Nine Dragons. Animal figures, such as peacocks, butterflies, and other types of bird, represent good fortune. The ubiquitous naga, or dragon, for example, is thought by the weavers to offer protective powers.
Most of the pieces contain motifs of floral, geometric and diamond patterns and mythical animals border. They display either three or five large diamond panels, brocaded almost from one end to the other, with only small plain section at both ends. Color changes on the weave have been made so as to confuse the evil spirits. These collections are good as table runners or for wall hanging or even as shawls.
Hand-woven silk brocades are often irregular and have natural flaws or color changes on the material. These are not considered as the defects but the charm of Southeast Asian artistry.
Ironing will make the whole pieces look smooth and more symmetrical than the pictured images. A very few colors on display may differ slightly from the actual ones.
For a care recommendation for hand-woven silk, dry-cleaning is preferable to keep this hand-woven silk in good condition and maintain its original beauty and texture. If it is hand-washed, it's better to use the mildest soap. Rinse the silk item thoroughly in tepid water; never wring it. Add a spoon of clear, white vinegar in the last rinse to retain its original luster. Never use a washing machine. Drip dry in the shade, preferably where there's a mild breeze and do not leave crumpled or creased while wet; make sure that it is well supported. Iron this silk on the inside of the garment while it is still slightly damp. If already dry, apply a damp cloth on the outside and iron through the cloth.
Despite the uniqueness of each piece, we are also able to source similar patterns for wholesale customers. |
