These Lao silk pieces are resplendent examples of supplementary weft weaving; these works of art vary in width and are up to 9 feet in length.  This display is an overview, mainly of the detail the connoisseur will immediately recognize as classic cultural masterpieces.

 The following ten pictures, below, are a sample of the collection available for purchase.

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Textiles woven in traditional societies have deep meaningful roots.  They reflect myriad age-old beliefs of the cultural pool from which they evolved over innumerable centuries. These treasures may be secular or sacred, with import that transcends their creative beauty. When these works of art are lived with, they perpetually reveal a complex story. With patience one can appreciate the creations' silent signals that touch the senses. The changing light of day, the distance from the eye and even the viewer’s mood can induce the fabric to speak to the very heart and soul of the beholder. They can become the cherished poem that improves with each reading, possessing ancient vocabularies that flow the length and breadth of the piece.

       When thoughtfully displayed these works of art draw attention from approaching admirers, much the same as a treasure does in a museum as it is first seen at a distance, then close, perhaps too close, and then the viewer moves back to allow the piece to envelope the senses. They are both landscapes and miniatures, tapestry and sculpture, produced by devoted matriarchs who are the benefactors of the countless generations of storytellers who worked the traditional looms before them.  They devote months and often years on a single piece.  To watch the revered artisans spin and weave their magic is an extraordinary experience and a privilege.

      We spent time in Luang Prabang seeking out respected weavers. The experience moved us to increase our collection and share the wealth with other connoisseurs before the art form is diluted by or, unfortunately, lost to time. In several instances we saw the village men and children mesmerized by a single television set, while the women, struggling against the distraction, were working the looms or the less attention intensive spinning and dyeing. We saw, first hand, the process that established Lao textiles as a living art; this is an integral part of the social and spiritual life of every Lao woman from cradle to grave.

      It is best to present these treasures in person. Their length and depth of richness must be held, savored, approached, released and perhaps making an attempt to decipher the deeper meanings and craft by holding, turning it over and over, in different light, as we have watched experienced weavers and collectors admire these works of fine art. They never fail to captivate the connoisseur’s wonderment, which often borders on frustration attempting to decipher the artist's cryptic message.

For information on these items or a broader representation
of our inventory, please write britt@tendirections.com  
 

THE PHOTOS BELOW ARE CLOSE-UPS OF THE EXTRAORDINARY DETAILED ART TREASURES.  LENGTHS AND WIDTHS VARY.