Pha Yok Phum Riang / Pha Yok Mueang Nakhon
The elegance of Thai cloth art is exemplified by Pha Yok Phum Riang and Pha Yok Mueang Nakhon. Phum Riang fabric is believed to have originated in Phum Riang District, Surat Thani Province. However, the weaving wisdom comes from Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, passed down by Indian artisans. This type of brocade is notable for its gold threads woven into complex patterns, giving it a luxurious appeal. The cloth is traditionally used as ceremonial fabric, usually at least 3 meters long, with unique patterns throughout, requiring great skill and perseverance to create.
The origins of this golden cloth trace back to India. As relationships grew with Nakhon Si Thammarat, local artisans adopted and adapted these weaving techniques, giving the cloth a more distinct Thai identity. The artisans could also change the colors of different fabric parts, making the designs more diverse and appealing.
Weaving gold cloth was historically very labor-intensive, requiring specialized looms and skill. A single piece could take up to a year to weave. When Queen Sirikit called for the revival of this craft for use in Khon costumes, large looms were introduced to speed up the process, although it still takes over six months to weave one piece.
The primary difference between modern and traditional weaving lies in the fabric's coloring. Traditional looms did not allow changes to the background color, resulting in monochrome pieces. To enhance the colorfulness for Khon Lakorn performances, additional accessories were used. Therefore, for important royal ceremonies, the traditionally woven fabric is still preferred.
It is unfortunate that the traditional method of gold cloth weaving is disappearing, with only a few master artisans remaining. This makes Phum Riang woven fabric one of the finest examples of Thai fabric, valued both for its artistry and its cultural significance.
The beauty of Phum Riang and Mueang Nakhon fabrics makes them an integral part of Thai culture and art. The intricate patterns and striking colors contribute to making Yok Phum Riang cloth one of the most impressive forms of Thai textile art. It is the preferred choice for important ceremonies, whether for Khon Lakorn performances or royal events, where unique and beautiful Thai artistic patterns are essential.
Summary
Pha Yok Phum Riang and Pha Yok Mueang Nakhon are iconic examples of Thai textile art. The complexity of the woven patterns, along with the inability to change fabric colors during weaving, makes these fabrics truly unique. They are not only beautiful but are also deeply ingrained in cultural and court ceremonies, symbolizing Thai heritage. The artistry of Phum Riang cloth is widely recognized and celebrated as an important cultural asset.
Thank you for the information from "Weaving Thread into a Pattern".
```