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Textiles have an ancient history in Thailand. There is some evidence
that the art of weaving dates back to the prehistoric culture of
Ban Chiang located in the northeast region more than two thousand
years ago.
The history of Thai textiles can be traced throughout the remaining
murals painted on the walls of Buddhist temples as well as reports
from foreign traders and ambassadors who visited the country in
past centuries.
Distinctly different weaving techniques were used in various regions
of what is now Thailand. The Boathouse Art Gallery presents an overview
of these textiles from various regions of Thailand in a show, Woven
Textiles of Thailand, which will hang until the end of the month.
Curator Lori Ashton researched textiles produced in the country's
four major regions and selected examples which will provide international
visitors with a glimpse of the variety and beauty of Thai textiles.
She has included work from Jim Thompson, an American who revitalized
the silk industry after World War II; the inventive designs of Sop
Moei Arts, the work of Karen Pwo villagers assisted by grants from
the Swedish government; the collection of Napajaree Suanduenchai
which features hill tribe and mudmee designs and products from Ban
Reng Khai, a village of weavers influenced by textile artist Lea
Dingjan-Laarakker.
"We are very excited about sharing the richness of Thai textiles
with our guests. While most textiles are produced in the north or
northeast of Thailand, we have invited weavers from neighboring
Trang province to demonstrate their techniques as it not well known,"
comments Ms. Ashton.
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