Exploring hand embroidery fabric of Thai women

(VNF) - A free series of events entitled “Pattern Story”, hosted by Textile Linker and Hoa Tien Brocade, to explore Vietnamese heritage textile and connect the artisans with the others, will be held from September 30^th to October 8^th.

The event includes an antique Thai fabrics showcase, talk, embroidery workshop and weaving experimentation. (Source: VNS)

For generations, weaving has been important heritage of Thai people of Quy Chau District in northern Nghe An Province. Thai people often say that “Hold hands down, then see the cloud, raised hands to see flowers”. Brocade making is a very important culture, attached to the Thai from birth, grow up until the return to the “sky”.

Each brocade starts with cotton, silkworms, spinning, natural dyeing, weaving and embroidery. It is a wholehearted and creative workflow process. The talents of Thai women are most visible in the stage of creating patterns on fabrics. It seems to be a sacred work that has been passed down from generation to generation for hundreds of years.

However, as life becomes more modern, and cultural integration goes to every Thai village, traditional profession are gradually being lost. Many patterns have been lost or only a few older artisans can replicate, and no young artisan nearby want to continue the traditional profession.

The natural world is reflected on various patterns. They are rhombus, flower, sun, birds, elephants, deer, tigers or horseman which are expressed in a symbolic, simplified way. The motifs are often symmetrical, reflecting the conception of harmony, the eternal life, the cosmic conception, the yin and yang philosophy, the earth and the universe, etc., the many motifs appear on the bear, skirts, scarves and Thai ancient quilts.

Hand embroidery fabrics by Hoa Tien Brocade. (Photo courtesy by Nic Shonfeld)

Apart from an antique Thai fabrics showcase, the event will also be accompanied by a talk with Thai ethnic artisan to share more cultural stories and craft villages.

During the weekend, embroidery workshop and weaving experimentation will explore ingenious stories behind decorative patterns of Thai ethnic vintage textiles from Quy Chau district, Nghe An province and making the traditional techniques closer to participants. They will even have a chance to make the ethnic patterns by themselves in the workshop.

The event will take place at Creative Artillery, 27/52 To Ngoc Van Street, Hanoi (courtyard of Hanoi Rock City).

The antique & unique Thai fabrics showcase and weaving experimentation & flea market are free admission. However, pre-registration and payment are required for the embroidery workshop./.

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