Elements
  • Bazaar
    • Gift Guides
    • Style
    • Wares
  • World Culture
    • Cross Cultural
    • History
    • Language
    • Wisdom
  • People
  • Art
    • The Arts
    • Crafts
    • Iconography
  • Food
    • Cuisine
    • Ingredients
  • Shop >>
Art ,  Crafts

All About Thai Silk

Head to Thailand and you’re bound to find a wealth of silk scarves and garments for sale. Silk goods are some of the country’s most popular souvenirs. Read all about this beautiful material!

The Legend of Silk

Empress Si Ling of China, sipping tea beneath a mulberry tree, found a silkworm cocoon floating in her cup. When she picked it out, she found the filament of the cocoon unraveling – that, according to folklore was the origin of silk!

The story goes that the Chinese kept the technique of silk-making a secret for millennia. Anyone caught smuggling silkworm eggs, mulberry seeds or cocoons faced death. A Chinese princess beat the system when she married an Indian prince and sneaked out silkworm eggs to India in her headdress!

Thai Silk Production

Truth or myth, silk making has been known in Asia since ancient times. Archaeologists have found silk fiber in the 3000-year-old ruins of Ban Chiang, Thailand, thought to be Southeast Asia’s earliest civilization. Today, Thai silk manufacture is centered in the northeastern Korat Plateau.

Mudmee refers to the traditional zoomorphic and geometric motifs of northeastern Thailand. Once, the lush forests of this region produced natural dyes. Sadly, extensive deforestation has led to the use of chemical dyes.

Characteristics of Thai Silk

Thai silk, though soft has a mildly coarse feel. Its threads are bumpy, a quality that renders it highly suitable for hand weaving.

Thai silk comes in two types. The smoother variety is favored for garment making and interior décor. The rough or “nubby” variety, called Thai dupioni, has a different texture that makes it suited for heavy drapes or upholstery with cotton backing. Double-toned silk, woven with a different color for the warp and weft produces a shifting, shimmery effect. Striped Thai silk uses alternating rough and smooth silk threads to produce a distinctive pattern in the fabric.

Caring For Thai Silk

The sheen and texture of Thai silk are best maintained with dry-cleaning. Alternatively, it can be hand washed in tepid water and mild soap and shade dried flat –­ no wringing!  With care, Thai silk can endure for more than a century!


Share:
Tags: Art, crafts
Preview Post

5 Wedding Gifts for Any Couple In Your Life

Next Post

Unique Wedding Traditions From Across the Globe

Leave a Comment

Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

You may also like

post-image
Art ,  Crafts ,  World Culture

What is Kuba Cloth?

post-image
Art ,  The Arts

Must See West African Dance

post-image
Art ,  Iconography

Celtic Cultural Icons

post-image
Art ,  Bazaar ,  Crafts ,  History ,  Style ,  World Culture

India’s Dazzling Gold Jewels

Subscribe

Cultural Elements Store

Cultural Elements
  • Most Views
  • Recent Posts

The History and Meaning of Dreamcatchers

How To Use A Tetsubin (Japanese Kettle)

What Is An Inukshuk?

Indian Culture Q&A

May 11, 2020
Kaftan

The History of the Kaftan

Apr 27, 2020

All About Olive Wood

Feb 28, 2020

About Cultural Elements

At Cultural Elements, we believe that richest sources for style and visual inspiration come from artisan hands all over the world.

Subscribe

One Email a week, that’s it!

The Good Stuff

About Us

Contact Us

 

Connect With Us

Collections

Jewelry 

Home

Apparel

Gifts

 

All Content ©2020 culturalelements.com. All rights reserved.