Details
CollectionSouth & Southeast Asian Collection
Object numberS1965-0029-001-0
TitlePhaa Nung, ("Hip wrap" in Thai)
DescriptionThis cloth, manufactured for the Siamese market, was acquired in Bangkok. A characteristic feature of phaa nung from Gujarat and the Coromandel Coast is the all-over pattern of buta (floral bouquets) within trellis in the centre-field and the three or more bands of stylised floral motifs in the wide transverse borders. The centre-field pattern of such export chintz has become associated with the ancient traditions of Thailand, especially during the 1960s and 1970s when it was a popluar motif in the design repertoire of Thai machine-produced cotton prints such as US68.9
“The western state of Gujarat and the eastern Coromandel Coast were the production centres of printed and painted, mordant resist-dyed trade cloths. These cloths were made for specific markets. This late 19th/early 20th century ‘phaa nung’ (“hip wrap” in Thai) bears motifs that are now associated with the ancient traditions of Thailand.” (Past, Present , Beyond: Re-nascence of an Art Collection, Page 38)Late 19th - early 20th century mordant-dyed resist, export ware to Southeast Asia - C
Patola, Kashmir shawls ans chintz formed the bulk of export fabrics, especially in the eighteenth and the nineteenth centuries. Indian craftsmen were skilled in adapting their designs to suit foreign tastes. This particular piece was made for the Thai market. (Sheares, Past,Present and Beyond, p 37)
Production placeIndia, Gujarat - C
Production period19th C, Late - 20th C, Early
Object categoryTextile
Dimensions
L: 368 cm
W: 108 cm
W: 108 cm
