Thai silk masters on show at Iconcraft
Thai textiles are being brought to life during the “Iconcraft Thai Textile Heroes” which brings a string of exquisite pieces to wow visitors at Iconcraft on the 4th and 5th floor of Iconsiam, Charoen Nakhon Road, until Aug 30.
Held to honour master craftsmen who have preserved Thai heritage and local wisdom, the grand exhibition features textiles crafted by Meechai Taesujariya, founder of Baan Kham Pun Museum and also a factory of the same name in Ubon Ratchathani.
He was named an outstanding master of Ubon Ratchathani in 2016 and was honoured as a Master Artisan of Thailand by the Support Arts and Crafts International Center of Thailand.
His items include the distinctive mudmee which is a result of his integration of the intricate weaving techniques of mudmee, koh luang and jok; pha yok thong (gold silk brocade); phasin thiu muk, an ancient cloth of Ubon Ratchathani nobility; and pha garb bua, a beautiful trademark woven fabric that was developed in 2000 and hailed as a provincial textile of Ubon Ratchathani.
Also displayed are the intricate and elaborate pieces of
pha yok thong by Weeratham Trakulngernthai, founder of Chansoma Pha Yok Thong weaving group in Tha Sawang village, Surin province. He successfully developed the iconic pha yok (brocade) of Ban Tha Sawang by combining elaborate royal motifs with folk weaving techniques, taking inspiration from HM Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother.
This is also an opportunity to witness eight exclusive costumes which are collaborative masterpieces by three leading fashion brands — Asava, Hook’s by Prapakas and Wisharawish — and the Pha Toomthong weaving group from Buri Ram province.
The exhibition also features local silk fabric by Ban Sawai Natural-Dyed Weaving Group in Surin. The community is recognised for producing some of the most beautiful silk, mudmee yok dok (tie-dyed silk brocade), which is lauded for its dense texture yet silky and breathable qualities.
Another highlight is the launch of an exclusive collection of 35 silk handbags by Sirivannavari Bangkok. They were designed for daily use by HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana who used her private collection of silk, intricately crafted by many weaving groups from across the country.
Developed from the basket and bucket bag styles, the fashionable handbags feature marvellous French-style embroidery, reflecting the truly exquisite craftsmanship of combining Thai silk weaving with French embroidery.