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The Central Region of Thailand covers the Chao Phraya River Basin area
and extends from Prachuap Khiri Khan Province in the south to Nakhon
Sawan Province in the north. Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is
situated in this area and is the seat of the Royal House of Chakri which
was established by King Rama I at the commencement of the Ratanakosin
period in 1782 A.D.
During the early reigns of the Royal House of Chakri, the difference
between court and village textiles was extreme. The court imported their
textiles from China, India and Persia. Special textiles were also
ordered from the various tributary states which were required to pay
tribute to the Siamese monarch. These include Cambodia, Laos, Chiang
Mai, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Pattani. During the reigns of King Rama I –
IV (1782 – 1868 A.D.), various Tai groups were relocated from different
areas into the Central Region. Among them were the Tai Yuan from Chiang
Saen in the Upper Northern and the Tai Phuan, Lao Khrang and Lao Song
from northern and central Laos. These groups were settled in villages
and continued their tradition of weaving techniques and patterns.
However, apart from the plain and checked cottons that still exist
today, nothing is known of the types of textiles made by the Siamese
during that period.
embroidered cotton blouse, thai
silk, chinese
clothing, cheongsam,
camisole, sarong, kimono, kaftans,
caftans, batik, denim
blouses
During the reign of King Rama V (1868 – 1910 A.D.), many important
changes in social structures were made. Slavery was abolished and
weaving, among other local industries and handicrafts, was developed. It
was during this period that Cambodia was taken over the French after
having been under Siamese suzerainty since 1431 A.D. This, together with
the growing importance in Asia, brought changes of influence from
Indian/Khmer to Western standards in law, education and dress. Trade
between European countries and Thailand was given more freedom, bringing
to the Thai market a great variety of western fabrics which were made
available to the general public. The trade in all imported items was
controlled by the King and was a source of high revenue.
tie dye, mandarin collar blouse, denim
skirts, denim blouses,
gypsy skirts, feng shui, oriental fans, parasols
In 1932 A.D., during the reign of King Rama VII (1925-1935 A.D.) the
monarchy changed to a constitutional monarchy. Development of textiles
and western tastes accelerated with the new standards in dress set
by Field Marshal P. Pibulsonggram between 1938-1944 A.D. Traditional
costumes, which were regarded as uncivilized, were discourage and
western role models were adopted as a sign of civilization. This led to
a decline in the use of traditional textiles in the central area and to
the growth of an attitude that traditional textiles were outdated and
were to be used only by the poor.
This attitude changed with the promotion of traditional Thai textiles by
Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. Through her gracious patronage the weavers of
Thailand can create their careful labors of love which are their
national heritage and continue the traditions without scorn. The raising
of social consciousness to the rescue of Thai textiles has resulted in a
cultural revival in many villages which has in turn put an international
focus on the history and roots of Thai culture.
women clothing, plus size clothing, oriental clothing, applique,
tunic shirt, wrap skirt, unique womans
clothing, wholesale denim shirts
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