Thai Silk Pattern: Conservation and Manufacturing Development to Create Added Value in the Province of Khon Kaen

Silk patterns are works of art that resembles the valuable and unique ethnic culture that is most important to the community. The history and development of silk patterns in the province of Khon Kaen can be divided into 2 periods, before and after the year 1976. During these periods there were many changes in the manufacturing of silk textiles. The origin of classical silk patterns came from direct modeling of plants, animals and nature. Contemporary silk patterns are modeled after mediums such as television, multimedia, publications and from client requests. The manufacturing tools have also been greatly improved from wooden tools to tools made from metals and tools reinforce with steel. Electric motors have also been utilized in increasing the efficiency in the transformation of silk such as in process of dyeing and spooling silk threads. Traditional materials in silk textile production utilized traditional home grown and produced silk threads while in modern times, the silk comes from factories and purchased in spools. Locally produced silk threads are still produced but in lesser quantity because natural pigments and threads are limited in color. Modern silk threads produced from factories come in many colors and sizes to choose from. Traditional designs and patterns of silk textiles had to be memorized and were passed down orally while contemporary patterns can be massed produced through patterns embedded in graph paper and computer graphic designs. The patterns of silk textiles have greatly improved after 1976 where many efforts were implemented to develop added value and broader market for silk textile products. The conservation and development of silk textile patterns to create added value in Khon Kaen can be achieved through innovation but must adhere and be modeled after traditional background. The developed textiles must conform to tradition but also meet the demands of clients. Consideration must also be emphasized in product diversity so that there is distinction and uniqueness from other producers.