Scarf or sash
Magenta, raspberry, green etc checkered pattern, silk
This is a finely woven, lightweight silk textile in an unusually vivid palette of magenta, raspberry, purple, green, and deep blue. The pattern is created entirely through the arrangement of colored warp and weft threads rather than printing or embroidery. The crossing of colored warp and weft produces additional colors optically; fine lighter lines visually mix where the warp and weft threads intersect. This weaving style creates an interesting example of color-and-weave textile design with the pattern a result of the controlled arrangement of colored threads.
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Traditional Thai weavings feature numerous striped and checked designs, particularly in northeastern Thailand, where this textile originates. Its striped-and-checked structure relates to the long Thai tradition of geometric woven textiles, including the widely used pha khao ma. The name, pha khao ma, originates from the Persian word kamar band (meaning waistband or sash), brought over through historical regional trade and adapted across eras like Ayutthaya. The fine construction, elongated format, and jewel-like palette of this piece suggest a more specialized textile intended for dress or adornment.
Title: Scarf
Date: 2025
Geography: Bangkok, Thailand
Medium: Silk
Dimensions: H. 64 in. W. 23 in.
Provenance: Purchased from Lampion Antiques, Talat Noi, Bangkok. Gift from Craig Seligman and Sil Nova
Inventory Number: TH.04
