Northern Thai/Lanna Silk Tube Skirt
Silk, supplementary-weft weaving,
Fine handwoven silk textile, possibly a section of a woman's pha sin (ผ้าซิ่น) or tube skirt, from Northern Thailand. The textile is characterized by a deep oxblood-red ground and a densely patterned horizontal band of intricate geometric forms. The textile's fine silk and elaborate supplementary-weft patterning (chok) historically conveyed refinement and social status associated with ceremonial use.
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Along the lower half of the sarong, repeated diamonds, zigzags and elongated pointed motifs create a rhythmic pattern, suggestive of flames or leaves. This design is characteristic of the sophisticated geometric vocabulary of Northern Thai/Lanna weaving, in which motifs may derive from natural forms or highly abstracted traditional patterns, reflecting a blend of spiritual symbolism, animist roots, and courtly status.
Revered for intricate geometric diamond or flame patterns, these versatile wraps are culturally significant and worn for formal ceremonies or casual daily wear.
Title: Ikat Sarong
Date: c. 1960–1980, Acquired 2025
Geography: Bangkok, Thailand
Medium: Silk
Dimensions: H. 72 in. W. 39 in.
Provenance: Purchased at Lampion Antiques in Talat, Noi, Bangkok, Thailand
Inventory Number: TH.06
