Buddhist Textiles of Laos, Lan Na and the Isan : The Iconography of Design Elements

Contents: Preface. Introduction. 1. Pha-biang and Pha-chet. 2. Pha-sin and related forms. 3. Pha-chong Kaben. 4. Tung and other ceremonial textiles. 5. Bed covers. 6. Curtains. 7. Miscellaneous forms. 8. Individual elements: 1. Apologia. 2. Ancestors. 3. Animal forms. 4. Nak (Naga). 5. Water creatures. 6. Bird forms. 7. Plant forms. 8. Ceremonial objects. 9. Geometric forms. 10. Hooks. 11. Water elements. 12. Miscellaneous forms. Bibliography. Appendix A: Glossary. Appendix B: Lao/Lan Na (Tai) rulers.

"Textiles from Laos, Lan Na and the Isan are prized for their artistic brilliance and aesthetic beauty. They speak volumes on a weaving tradition that has evolved through centuries and shaped the socio-cultural life of the people associated with it.

"This book studies the iconography of the design elements typically employed by crafts persons of textiles from these areas: it deals with their art of weaving, various textile forms to be found in the region and the suitable and inherently powerful motifs woven. With numerous splendid illustrations of the designs, it involves study of design elements on articles of daily use as well as those used for ceremonial purposes and the kind of forms and iconography depicted-like ancestor figures, animal and plant forms, water creatures, objects used in ceremonies and geometric forms. Viewing Buddhism as the prime influence upon the objects though Hinduism is also an important referent, it explores the symbols the design elements involve and their many meanings and the dimensions they encompass-their fertility-related, religious and universal associations, for instance. The designs considered in the study are based upon the square grid and the design elements are shown in the typical graph form employed by weavers. It also gives Indian (Sanskrit) and Thai equivalents for English terms of plant and animal species and clarifies a number of terms all of which make this painstakingly-conducted research a thorough work on the subject.

"The book will be very useful to scholars of Textile designs, Buddhist art and culture; and the cultural traditions of South east Asia."  (jacket)