Library

National and International Publications on SEA Textiles

THE MASTER ARTISANS OF THAILAND. VOL 4. Gold, Silver And Nielloware

Author: Unknown, 2014. 168pg. (Thai and English)
Publisher: The Supports Arts and Crafts International Centre of Thailand (SACICT), Bangkok

This fifth volume of Master Artisans of Thailand showcases ten exceptional master goldsmiths.

THE NYONYA KEBAYA. A Century of Straits Chinese Costume.

Author: Datin Seri Endon Mahmood, 2004, 176pg. (Englsih)
Publisher: Periplus, Singapore

In Malaysia, the Nyonya Kebaya has emerged as a distinctive and enduring symbol of national fashion identity. Its origins can be traced to a long, straight tunic of Arab inspiration, traditionally fashioned from plain cotton. This garment was subsequently adopted by the Nyonyas—women of the early Peranakan community, a culturally hybrid subgroup of the Chinese diaspora. Over time, they transformed the simple tunic into a more sophisticated and aesthetically refined blouse: translucent, delicately embroidered, and tailored to accentuate the female form. The ensemble was typically fastened with a set of ornate chained brooches and paired with a hand-drawn batik sarong, complemented by intricately beaded slippers. This evolution not only reflects the ingenuity of the Peranakan women but also illustrates the dynamic interplay of cross-cultural influences in shaping Malaysia’s sartorial heritage.

THE ROOTS OF ASIAN WEAVING. The He Haiyan Collection of Textiles and Looms From Southwest China

Author: Eric Boudot & Chris Buckley, 2015. 474pg. (English)
Publisher: Oxbow Books, Oxford, United Kingdom

This ground breaking book documents the weaving traditions and textiles of one of Asia’s most ethically diverse areas, placing them in a regional context. Based on more than a decade of first-hand study in the field, the authors record the traditions of the Miao, Yao, Buyi and other ethnic weavers from Guizhao and Hainan Island. They describe the looms and techniques of these groups including diagrams, descriptions and photographs of the weaving process and woven structures. Each tradition is illustrated with outstanding examples of textiles, drawn from the He Haiyan collection in Beijing, including many 19th century examples.

THE ROYAL PALACE COSTUMES OF KERATON SURAKARTA HADININGRAT

Author: Hj. B.R.A. Mooryati Soedibyo, 2006. 124pg. (English)
Publisher: Grasindo, Indonesia

The book "Costumes of the Surakarta Hadiningrat Court" provides a definitive overview of the diverse costumes worn by the royal family, showcasing both their daily attire and the special garments used for palace ceremonies. It clearly delineates the dress codes for the prime minister, abdi dalem, palace dancers, soldiers, regents, and other court officials. This essential work offers readers a powerful glimpse into the opulent lifestyle that characterized Javanese sultans in the past.

THE SECRETS OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN TEXTILES. Myth, Status and the Supernatural. The James H.W. Thompson Foundation Symposium Papers

Author: Jane Puranananda, editor, 2007. 215pgs. (English). Softcover
Publisher: River Books, Thailand

This volume presents the Proceedings of the 2007 J.W. Thompson Symposium, with a thematic focus on the cultural and symbolic dimensions of Southeast Asian textiles. Bhutan: -Form and Function in Bhutanese Textiles Cambodia: -Spirit Ships and Vessels of the Soul Indonesia: -Indian Figurative Textiles in Indonesia; -Barkcloth Skirts from Southwestern Borneo; -Talismanic Textiles in Islamic Southeast Asia Myanmar: -Shan Expressios of Power and Protection; -Structure and Status in Chin Textiles; -Naga Textiles; Mon Ancestral Textiles Laos: -Spirit Skirts of the Lao-Tai People; -Textiles in Contemporary Phuthai Society Thailand: -Monk’s Robes in Rural Northeastern Thailand; -The Role of Women in a Buddhist Society Vietnam: -Religious and Status-Marking Functions of Textiles among the Tai Peoples of Vietnam Collectively, these papers illuminate the intricate interplay between material culture, ritual practice, and social identity across diverse Southeast Asian communities. The symposium underscores textiles not merely as utilitarian artifacts, but as profound conveyors of cosmological meaning, social hierarchy, and cultural continuity.

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