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. Another uniqueness of Thai silk is it gets softer and softer over time. 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, dating back about 3,000 years to the introduction of sericulture (silk manufacture) 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.
Over three months of work for a 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!
An exclusive and limited pattern
“Elephant in the Himmapan Forest” – a special pattern designed and woven by the master of artisan, Kru Pranom, exclusively for Jidapa Thaicraft brand. This pattern is based from the weaver’s belief of Himmapan forest. She used her own imagination about Himmapan forest to design this pattern. And as the forest is known to have many creatures, elephants are one of them. Elephants have played an important part in Thailand’s history and today they are the national animal of Thailand. Elephants represent strength, loyalty and longevity.
This pattern truly reflects weaver’s ideas and belief. It adds her creativity to the fabric.
Where is Himmapan forest?
Himmapan (or Himavanta) is a legendary forest, that is located in the Himalaya Mountains. In a Thai literature, Himavanta is said to be the forest and the mountain where many small and large mythical creatures, spirits or even gods or goddess are resided in. Thailand became acquainted with these legends through the spread of Brahmanism and Buddhism. This can be seen through references of the forest in religious tales.
Elephants and Thai Culture
The importance of elephants in Thai culture is rooted in history and religion, but is visible until now. Throughout Thai history, elephants have been used to assist in the construction, to help clear forests and logging. In Buddhist legend it is believed that Queen Maya (mother of the Buddha) was only able to conceive after having a dream that a white elephant entered inside her. This is why the white elephant is seen as highly auspicious and enjoys royal status in Thailand. Elephants are incorporated in art, clothing, adverts and brands. Elephants represent strength, loyalty and longevity.
This piece can be used in various ways:
- Great for tailor to skirt or dress on your special occasions
- Using it as house decoration or curtain, 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 the Master of Artisan
Pranom Thongprasat – With 60 years of experience, Kru Pranom is the master of artisan from Khon Kaen province. Beyond experiences, her intricate works are guaranteed with many award-winning pieces.
Started as a 10-year-old girl
Her skills were passed on from generation to generation. She has started to learn about silk making since she was only ten years old. Kru Pranom still preserves the traditional way of weaving. She controls the quality in every process, from pattern designing to dyeing to weaving.
Jidapa Thaicraft Inspiration
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.
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”
Inspired by the spellbound the magic of Thai fabrics, Jidapa Thaicraft aims to be the place that connects local artisans to people as well as gather quality and dedicated handicraft works from Thai artisans from various places into one place.
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