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October 17, 2012

Textile Collection at Tilleke & Gibbins Featured in Martha Stewart Living

Martha Stewart Living

The October issue of Martha Stewart Living features a prominent article about valuable textiles originating from all over Southeast Asia. In an interview, Wipawee Tiyawes, curator of the Tilleke & Gibbins Textile Collection, provides some key background information about the firm’s collection, the different regions where the textiles originate, and how they can be distinguished from one another. The article also details how owners must be very careful in preserving the textiles with specific storage conditions and cleaning methods. Particular attention is given to a textile from the Ayudhya-Rattanakosin period, during which the King ordered fabric weaved in India with a Thai design, by the Royal Craftsmen.

In describing the pricelessness of these textiles, the article highlights the collection held at the Tilleke & Gibbins Bangkok office and the role played by David Lyman, the firm’s Chairman & Chief Values Officer, in developing the collection. The author emphasizes that the textiles are seen as paintings that tell the stories of those who weaved the fabrics, and how, over the years, they have become a symbol of history and formed part of Thai heritage.

RELATED INSIGHTS​ 

May 16, 2011
Dr. Linda S. McIntosh, Consulting Curator, will give a lecture on “Tai Ceremonial Textiles and Their Uses” from 10 am to 12 noon on June 16, 2011, at the offices of Tilleke & Gibbins. Linda will provide an overview of some types of non-Buddhist or shamanic Tai textiles and their ceremonial functions. Intricately woven textiles are made specifically for use in different types of rituals, including spirit appeasement and healing rites as well as funerals. The Tai also utilize textiles that have roles in their daily lives for special rites.
April 26, 2011
Dr. Linda S. McIntosh describes some ceremonial textiles produced and used by the non-Buddhist or shamanic Tai ethnic groups, using examples from the Tilleke & Gibbins Textile Collection to illustrate the article. Tilleke & Gibbins houses rare, museum-quality shamanic textiles with an indigo background, which are called phaa phii mon or phaa mau phii. Various design compositions, motifs, and functions of textiles are discussed in the article.
April 26, 2011
Tilleke & Gibbins Consulting Curator Dr. Linda McIntosh outlines the Tilleke & Gibbins Textile Collection in this Bangkok publication. The Collection consists of textiles from the diverse cultures of mainland Southeast Asia plus some examples, originating beyond this geographic region, that have historical, economic, and political links to the area. The article describes the types of textiles found in the Collection, and these range from utilitarian items to ceremonial accessories.
April 26, 2011
In the Textile Society of America’s series on textile collections throughout the world, the history and purpose of the Tilleke & Gibbins Textile Collection are highlighted. The Collection’s mission to exhibit textiles originating from the cultures composing mainland Southeast Asia is given: to enrich the working environment of Tilleke & Gibbins’ offices; to preserve Southeast Asia’s textile heritage; and to expand the appreciation of this art form to the general public.