VietNamNet Bridge – The event “Pattern Story” including an antique Thai fabrics showcase, talk, embroidery workshop and weaving experimentation exploring ingenious stories behind decorative patterns of ethnic Thai vintage textiles from Quy Chau district, Nghe An province will be held from September 30 through October 8 at Creative Artillery, 27/52 To Ngoc Van street, Hanoi.
Hand embroidery fabrics by Hoa Tien Brocade. Photo courtesy by Nic Shonfeld
Ethnic Thai people often say that “Hold hands down, then see the cloud, raise 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 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 comes to every Thai village, traditional professions are gradually being lost. Many patterns have been lost or only a few older artisans can replicate, and no young local artisan wants to continue the traditional profession.
The natural world is reflected in 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, eternal life, cosmic conception, yin and yang philosophy, earth and universe… the many motifs appear on the bear, skirts, scarves and Thai ancient quilts.
The event will also be accompanied by a talk with Thai ethnic artisans to share more cultural stories and craft villages.
During the weekend, embroidery workshop and weaving experimentation familiarize traditional techniques to participants who can make the ethnic patterns themselves in Hanoi.
The embroidery workshop will be conducted in Vietnamese and English, with a fee of VND250,000 per person, including 50x50cm homegrown cotton fabric and embroidery tool.
Free admission for other activites.
PV