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.
More than three months of work for one piece
The whole process to make this one piece took over 3 months! Weaving process alone was around 45-60 days. A traditional weaver can produce about 12 to 15 centimeters of fabric a day only as every process is handmade and complicated. The weavers combine thread after thread to create one precious piece!
Weaving belief into the fabric pattern
Naga stairs of a temple in Thailand
Nak Nakee – A traditional pattern from an old time. This pattern was created from weaver’s imagination about Naga, adding her belief and faith in Naga into the fabric.
“Nak” or Naga is a sacred powerful big serpent based on Thai Mythology. “Nakee” means female naga. If you wander around Thailand, you‘re probably bound to have encountered a Naga at some temple’s roof or stair to the main hall temple. Besides in places, Naga appears in many fabric patterns. Naga 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.
This piece can be used in various ways:
- Great for house decoration, adding Thai style to your home
- Putting in the frame to display its beautifulness like a piece of art
- Offer as a gift to your special ones
Get to know Jidapa Thaicraft
Jidapa Thaicraft was founded in 2015 with the will of supporting Thai fabrics local producers and passing on the knowledge of Thai fabrics and textiles to another generation.
Jidapa Thaicraft is inspired by the spellbound the magic of Thai fabrics. They have been lucky to work with a team of experienced people and passionate master weavers who have been with them for years. Every single piece is woven by hand on a traditional loom. Each piece has their own stories and identity traits with the unique handicraft.
Vision is to be “Art gallery for Thai Silk”
They aim to be a platform that connects local craftsmen to people as well as a gathering place for quality and devoted handmade works from Thai artisans from diverse locations.
