A number of rare and exquisite fabrics from Asia take centre stage during the "Lotus Arts de Vivre: Woven Jewels" show which is running at Lotus Arts de Vivre Gallery, Rama III Road, until Feb 28.
This is a rare chance for those with a passion for fine fabrics to witness a collection of 40 valuable pieces belonging to the gallery's founder and art connoisseur Rolf von Bueren, who has been collecting great works by highly skilled craftsmen from across the world for more than five decades.
On showcase are around 20 pashmina shawls from Kashmir in the northern part of India, Japanese obi sashes (used as part of kimono outfits) and haori (a light coat worn over kimono), and handbags made from antique fabrics.
Dating back 200 years, the pashmina shawls were made from the inner layer of Himalayan goat hair.
The fibres were woven in diagonal direction, fused with complicated patterns and dyed with natural colours from saffron, resulting in a stunningly beautiful fabric that provided warmth to owners for centuries. However, this weaving technique is coming closer to extinction.
The shawls in this collection are unique for their boteh (known as paisley in the West) pattern. This Persian word refers to flowers or a bouquet of flowers regarded as the symbol of life and eternity.
Then, see the Japanese spirit reflected through the delicate patterns and artistic designs of 14 obi sashes by master designer Genbei Yamaguchi, who is also president of the Kyoto-based, centuries-old obi manufacturer Kondaya Genbei.
Many of his masterpieces on display were designed specifically for Thailand. Each of them took an average of four to six months to complete, using several ancient weaving techniques and distinctive fabrics made from different kinds of materials ranging from silk to pearl shells, gold foil, gold and silver threads and even peacock feathers.
They come with gorgeous motifs such as koi fish, gold dragon, white orchid, pegasus and peacock. They are displayed alongside four haori robs also by master Genbei.
Another highlight is a collection of handbags that combine the beauty of art with modern design and are adorned with natural materials.
They include an antique Japanese obi textile handbag, a Japanese textile handbag with cloud motifs, a Malaysian batik handbag with embroidery by craftsmen from the Support Foundation, a Japanese silk handbag with pink cobalt calcite diamond, and an antique Indian zari saree handbag with a red coral sunflower.
The exhibition is open for public viewing daily from 10am to 5pm but reservations are required.
An antique Indian zari saree handbag with a red coral sunflower. Photos courtesy of Lotus Arts de Vivre
An obi with 'Dance of the Dragon' motif. Lotus Arts de Vivre
Call 089-667-6077 or visit lotusartsdevivre.com.
