Description
Natural material from silkworm
Thai silk is made from local Thai silkworm. There are several steps to produce each fabric, consisting of raising silkworm, reeling in the threads, dyeing, and weaving. Unlike any other silks, the distinct character of local Thai silk is luster and sheen. As it is a natural material, Thai silk provides gentle touch to the skin and is well-ventilated. Thai silk can last over a hundred years!
What is Mudmee silk?
Mudmee silk (also known as “ikat”) is produced through the traditional method of tying in the desired pattern with straw, hay or banana ropes. The ropes stop water from affecting the silk yarns, whilst dyeing it in the process. The tied yarns move through the dyeing process, but only the untied yarns absorb the dye. The method is repeated as many times as necessary, depending on the preferred color variations. Afterwards, each silk yarn is woven to create a variety of designs, combining the colored areas to produce patterns.
Mudmee weaving is the oldest form of pattern weaving in Thailand and dates back approximately 3,000 years when sericulture (silk production) was first introduced to Thailand.
Traditionally in Thailand the nobility wore Mudmee on a daily basis, whilst others wore it during festive occasions or ceremonies. Nowadays Mudmee is worn more casually, though the complexity of the weaving makes it stand out from the majority of casual-wear.
Almost 3 months long to make this stunning piece
The whole process to make this particular piece took about 3 months! The weavers patiently combine thread after thread to create one precious piece! Each process has to be well-prepared and dedicatedly woven into the fine piece. The more color you see on this piece, the more tying and dying process will be.
“Symbol of abundance” pattern
The patterns that appeared on the woven fabric in the past not only are passing on wisdom from ancestors from generation to generation, but there is also a connection with beliefs related to religion, sacred things, traditions, culture of weavers in different eras that have been passed down since ancient times.
Naga pattern is one of the traditional and ancient pattern woven on Thai fabric. “Nak” or Naga is a sacred powerful big serpent based on Thai Mythology. Naga appears in the traditional cloth patterns of Thai people in almost every region of the country. Thai people, especially those who live in the Mekong river, have inherited beliefs about the serpent who lived in the underground of the Mekong river. People in that area still believe that when there is a merit-making event, the serpent or naga will come up.
This pattern was created from weaver’s imagination about Naga, adding her belief and faith in Naga into the fabric. Naga is a motto that is believed to be a symbol of greatness, auspiciousness, fertility, luck and is believed to be a ladder leading to the land of the universe. Naga also represents faith and belief, like how people believe in and respect Naga. And as people praise Naga as a sacred creature, Naga pattern indicates prosperity.
Comes with multi purposes
- Great for tailor to skirt or dress on your special occasions
- A house decoration or curtain to add Thai style to your home
- Fabric display on the frame like a piece of art
- A gift to your special ones
Little tips to care for Thai Silk
- Best is to hand wash. Do not put it in the washing machine.
- Thai silk can be washed in lukewarm water but only with the mildest soap, then rinse the silk in vinegar to retain its original luster and allow it to drip dry in the shade.
- Thai silk should be ironed on the inside just before it is dry or else put a damp cloth over the silk and iron.
Get to know VIP Thaisilk
VIP Thaisilk was founded by Miss Waraporn or Aiw who was born and raised in a weaving family in Surin province. She has learned and been familiar with the real Thai silk for most of her life.
Being in the field of real Thai silk for over 30 years made her understand the authenticity and dedication of each silk piece. Thus, VIP Thaisilk was established with the aim to share the love and beauty of Thai silk to people. VIP Thaisilk only selects authentic silk pieces from all over Thailand. All pieces are guaranteed to be real Thai silk with a premium grade. Each piece is one-of-a-kind!
