English
French
Spanish
Italian
Thai silk represents the representative cloth of Thailand, and because of such a fact, it has taken a place among the most important and popular fabrics of the country. Its magic resides not only in the luxurious feeling and vivid hue but also in the abundant history and detailed handwork behind its birth. Since its beginning, Thai silk has assumed the standing of a symbol representing Thai culture concerning its craftsmanship.
Much like the ever-famous Thai tea, Thai silk also has a very rich history, dating back as early as the 13th century when the Kingdom of Sukhothai reigned over present-day Thailand.
The history and origin of Thai silk and silk weaving in Thailand. Source: Pinterest
The silk-producing industry was already flourishing in China and throughout the Asian region, so it most likely came into Thailand through the intensive trade and cultural relations in that period. The first written records of Thai silk can be found in the Ayutthaya Royal Chronicles, which tell about its use in the attire of royalty and nobility.
Accordingly, when Sukhothai became more prosperous economically and politically, the culturing and trade of Thai silk also developed. Thai silk was reputed to be of the highest quality because of its softness, elasticity, and brilliance of colors. It was used as one of the basic clothing items for people in Thailand, especially traditional Thai dresses for women, called pha nung, and traditional Thai trousers for men, called Chong graben. Ornamental works of art included tapestries and cushions.
During the 16th century, Thai silk gained prominence during the height of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, with its status as a leading trading center. In general, Ayutthaya artisans were admired for their mastery of weaving and dyeing techniques since they did it using plants, insects, and minerals to a rainbow of different colors.
The history and origin of Thai silk and silk weaving in Thailand. Source: Unsplash
Thai silk was also a highly valued export commodity, highly appreciated in Europe and throughout Asia not only for its wearability but also for furnishings and decorative arts, and as a fashionable souvenir item desired by tourists visiting places like Phuket, Bangkok, and Koh Samui.
Thai sericulture is the process of cultivating silkworms and producing silk threads from their cocoons. These threads are washed, spun into yarn, dyed, and handwoven into silk fabrics.
The most common silkworms used are mulberry silkworms and eri silkworms, cultivated in farms located in Thailand’s northern and northeastern regions. Two primary weaving techniques are used in Thailand. The first is Ikat, or mat mii, a tie-dyeing technique wherein patterns are dyed onto the threads before they are woven.
A very first step of Thai silk weaving. Source: Pinterest
Another popular technique is brocading, which involves weaving raised patterns onto the fabric. A popular type of brocading in Thailand is Khit, which means “to raise” or “to pick.” These techniques help create the unique textures and patterns that differentiate Thai silk from those made in other silk-making countries like China, India, and Italy.
Besides these two, silk can also be used in other weaving techniques: fabric painting and embroidery. Thai Sericulture is an elaborate show of artistry passed on through centuries. It is a very traditional and ancient craft that has supported generations of families in these rural silk-weaving villages. It put Thailand on the map of the biggest makers of exquisite silk.
How Thai Silk is Made and Dyed. Source: Shutterstock
The making of Thai silk is a very cumbersome and painstaking process, requiring a great deal of care and attention to detail. First comes silkworm breeding, which needs to be fed continuously with large amounts of mulberry leaves, at the same time spinning their silk-thread cocoons. After cocoon harvesting, the sheaths are unwound extremely carefully to extract the raw silk fibers.
After extraction, silk fibers go through several processes to make them strong and fine: spinning, weaving, and dyeing. Traditional Thai silk is handmade on a wooden loom by skillful weavers and passed down through generations. The work of dyeing itself is quite complicated because natural dyes are made from plants, minerals, and insects to generate an amazing range of colors and patterns.
There are many kinds of Thai silk, all of which differ in their characteristics and weaving techniques. The most eminent varieties include:
Thai Silk Types. Source: Pinterest
Thai Silk Types. Source: Freepik
The strength and versatility of Thai silk have given it a wide scope for use in various articles. More commonly used in traditional Thai dresses, the gracious pha nung, or wrap-around skirt, Chong graben for men, and “chut thai,” or traditional dress, apart from its use in modern fashion and furnishings, imparts sheen and luxuriousness to an outfit or interior decor. Thai silk, lustrous in sheen and luxurious in feel, gives elegance to an outfit or interior decor and hence is one of the main preferences of designers and consumers in high-end value markets.
Uses of this Textile. Source: Istock
Of course, with the many other activities to do on vacation that Thailand has, there is plenty of opportunity for guests and travelers alike to plunge into and surround themselves with Thai silk and its culture. Many of the country's cities and towns have elaborate silk markets and workshops where guests can watch silk being produced and even try their hands on it.
Where to Learn More About Thai Silk. Source: Pinterest
Cultural centers and museums also have on display how Thai silk is steeped in history and meaning, with nice examples of traditional clothes and fabrics. Whether in vibrant markets in Phuket or the countryside silk villages in northeastern Thailand, commonly known as Isaan, or right at festivals about silk and their several exhibitions, all offer multiple ways to experience the mystique of Thai silk and its ongoing legacy.
Don’t hesitate to join Asia King Travel to discover more about this special land. If you are a cultural enthusiast, Thailand is a must-see point with its famous destinations and diverse culture, which will get you at the first step. So it will be an exploration of tradition and a tribute to Thailand’s vibrant essence, which waits for you to immerse yourself in it.
