The beauty of Thai textiles is in the spotlight through limited-edition handbags by Lotus Arts de Vivre, founded by German art connoisseur Rolf von Bueren and his wife Helen in 1982.
The von Bueren family highly appreciates Thai arts and crafts, particularly those preserved by the Foundation for the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and Related Techniques (Support), established by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother.
The Support foundation is known in Thai as Silpacheep, which gives its name to the latest collection of handbags featuring paa yok thong made by artisans at Ban Noen Thammang Arts and Crafts Centre, in Chian Yai, Nakhon Si Thammarat.
With different names and signature motifs, brocade textiles are made in many other provinces in Thailand. Boasting distinctive textures and patterns, those crafted in Nakhon Si Thammarat are called yok nakorn.
If gold threads are used in the weaving, the resulting fabric is called paa yok thong or gold brocade.
Brocade weaving is believed to have long existed in the southern province, before the Ayutthaya era. The gold brocade was preserved for only nobles and the governor, who gifted the fabric to the Royal Court.
In the 1990s, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother revived paa yok production in Ban Noen Thammang, to help locals generate additional income during the off-farming season.
The Support foundation also developed the weaving skills of artisans in Nakhon Si Thammarat to produce brocades for the Royal Khon performances.
Meticulously-woven paa yok thong in red or blue and with various motifs were transformed into Lotus Arts de Vivre's Silpacheep handbags designed with stylish handles and bejewelled details
A gold knuckle duster ring, for instance, allows gripping an evening clutch with a diamond-set gold flower centred by a pearl.
A little bouquet of roses carved from stones and decorated with diamonds and pearls adorn a bag with a hand-carved black wood handle, while a lacquer rooster brooch embellishes a bag with a handle in black Thai silk and a frame featuring damascene work.
