Thai Silk
Tracing it's history to the early Khmer rule the art of handwoven Thai silk has been handed down from mother to daughter for over seven centuries. The patterns, some unchanged, some growing/evolving, hold clues to the ceremonial and religious symbolism from that ancient civilization. Patterns with a range of uses; some as a beautiful work of art to hang on the wall, elegant furniture covering, some would make an excellent choice for elegant evening or casual wear. This durable, heavy silk will wear well in daily use. Not at all like the lingerie material you may think of when you hear the word "silk."
The region was a part of the Khmer kingdom and many Khmer style temples can be found throughout the area. Around the time Chiangmai was being formed Isaan came under the rule of the Lao Lan Xang (one million elephants) empire. The region remained under Lao rule until the 17th century.
Some say the Isaan folk are more Lao than Thai. The Isaan language, similar to Lao, is still spoken in most homes and among locals, but today they are loyal Thai. The area now is renowned among the Thais and many savvy textile collectors as the source of the finest Mudmee (tied strings) or Ikat silk in the world. Anthropologist call this cloth Khmer-Thai or Khmer-Lao Silk. Non-academics today just call it "Thai silk."
history of silk
Legend has it that the culturing of the silkworm and the weaving of silk date back more than 4,000 years to 2640 BC, when Chinese Empress Si Ling-Chi developed the process of “reeling” silk from the cocoon.
For the next 3,000 years, Chinese emperors kept the cultivation of silk as a highly guarded secret, threatening anyone who exported silk worms with the death penalty.
The Silk Road brought the actual fabric—made in China—all around Asia for centuries before it found its way to Europe at least as early as the 1st or 2nd centuries. It was not until around 550 AD that two missionaries finally managed to smuggle to Europe (using a hollow staff) the essentials for cultivating silk: the eggs of the silkworm and the seeds of a mulberry tree. Very quickly thereafter silk became the fabric of choice for nobility and the clergy in Europe, and the Moors became deft silk cultivators and weavers carrying the fabric around Europe and northern Africa.
No one knows for sure when the cultivation of silk began in Thailand, but it probably came around 1,000 years ago when Thai people began their migration to modern day Thailand from Southern China. Historically, the culture and weaving of Thai silk was a traditional folk craft of Thai women. It was intensive work that often combined threads from as many as 8,000 cocoons to make a single dress. But the results were so remarkable that, as in Europe, silk clothing was commissioned by the Thai royalty (they even had special colors and patterns only royals were allowed to wear). When Europeans first came to Thailand, they were so dazzled by the superiority of silk garments the Thai village women made that Thai silk became a sensation in the West.
When cheaper mass production of silk began in the 19th century in Japan, China, and Europe, Thailand saw a sharp decline in the demand for its silk. The fall was so precipitous that the millennium-old industry nearly vanished before it was revived by the American Jim Thompson following World War II.
After being discharged from his Bangkok post of the old American intelligence services in 1946, Thompson chose to stay in Thailand. By 1947, when his interest in Thai Silk had grown, he could find only one village in the entire country, Ban Krua, which still had even a part-time community of silk weavers—and it is there that he started his enterprise. When Thompson landed in New York with samples from Ban Krua in 1947, it was an instant hit. He went on to form the Thai Silk Company in 1948 and today Thai Silk, with its unique and highly varied colors, has regained its status as one of the most exquisite fabrics in the world.
Thompson himself oversaw this revival in Thai silk until 1967 when, on a vacation in Malaysia’s Cameron Highlands, he walked out of his cottage one day and was never seen again. Due to his old connections with secret services and clandestine operations, speculation on his fate still swirls, forever linking Thai Silk with this international man of mystery.
Though Thompson disappeared, his legacy lived on as Thai Silk continued its growth with its bright and unique colors driving its popularity. Today, most Thai silk worms are cultivated in Thailand’s northeast on the Korat Plateau, while most production is centered in the northern capital, Chiang Mai. Though Jim Thompson is one of the most famous brand of Thai Silk, the industry is quite diversified with hundreds of manufacturers, large and small, providing high quality silks.
Thai Silk
Silk scarves have been used for a variety of purposes throughout history. Its lightweight warmth caused silk to become one of the most popular materials for things like aviator's scarves and for parachutes. However, the high cost of silk throughout history has meant that silk scarves were often considered a luxury item in Europe and North America. It has only been in the last 20 years that silk scarves have become more widely available. Thai silk scarves are among the most elegant and beautiful scarves, and have been thrilling the fashion world for several years now.
The production of silk stretches back centuries in Thailand. Because Thailand is the only Southeast Asian nation to have never been ruled by a European power, silk production is much more traditional. Additionally, Thai silk is considered exceptionally durable and high quality. This quality silk is washed, and then dyed carefully to produce stunning and memorable colors. One of the most remarkable features of Thai silk scarves is their patterns and artwork, many of which stem from Thai folklore and culture.
Thai silk scarves may feature many different patterns, ranging from tie dying and squares to elaborate representations of stars, moons, and planets. Artwork on Thai silk scarves varies even more. One of the most traditional symbols in Thai culture is that of the Elephant, and so many scarves feature this animal in a variety of settings. Floral pictures are also popular, as are trees and other nature scenes. Other pictures often seen on Thai silk scarves are birds perched on lush tree branches, scenes of traditional village life or of Buddhist temples. Because the price of silk has dropped in recent years, it is now possible for women to wear a beautiful piece of art, both for warmth and as a fashion accessory. Thai silk scarves in white and in solid colors are also popular with men who want to evoke the image of the brave and adventurous aviator.
Thai silk scarves have become one of Thailand's chief consumer exports. In fact, they are now available in stores all over the world. However, many people also travel to Thailand each year and find fabulous silk scarves in the shops and Bazaars of Thailand's major cities. While the Thai silk scarves found in your local area will be of excellent quality, your chances of finding an original design on a scarf increase dramatically by visiting Thailand, which also has many historic sights and beaches to enjoy. The next time you are looking for a fashion accessory that shows your originality and style, be sure to look at Thai silk scarves. These lightweight and surprisingly affordable scarves will both keep you warm and show the world that you have a good eye for fashion.
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