|
Thai and Lao crafts at Thailish School |
 Good
craft work is hard to find!Although mass-produced crafts are commonplace in Thai markets it is increasingly difficult to find original work uninfluenced by the tourist market. Following her grandmother's interest, Nim has been collecting materials for over 20 years. Nim's bracelets are Lao silver, made from old French coins. |
 ...but not impossible if you look hard!The Hmong people of northern Thailand and Laos still weave in the old way. Laos' rapid reduction in the opium trade has encouraged Hmong production but the cost of such items is rapidly increasing. Nim's interest in Hmong crafts has in recent years taken her on visits to craft centers in Laos and Cambodia. |
|
| Baskets, old brass and cotton |
|
| These
woven baskets can be
obtained in Lao markets. The brass is from an old Thai village |
 |
| Cultural symbols, old and new. |
 We
noticed an odd juxtoposition in Nim's office the other day: The ancient
temple
and the recharging cellphone. |
| Improvisation |
 This Hmong grandmother found
good use for a swatch of contemporary fabric. She used it to repair her
daughter's skirt. |
| Sukothai |
 Sukothai pottery has been famous
for
centuries. A small group of potters is continuing the tradition. |
| Table, cotton, afternoon
sunlight in the reception area |
 A happy accident. The teak chair
can be purchased in a small shop near Jatujak market for about 50
dollars US. |
| Sticky rice baskets |
 Contemporary, but nice work. About
$4 at Jatujak |
| Cottons |
 Towels like these hang in Thai
bathrooms. About $4 from a Surin village. |