Name: ISAAN, A SILK ROUTE OF MANY BEAUTIES
Start: 2026-01-17T10:00:00+07:00
Location: The Siam Society Under Royal Patronage

Paris-based collector and former resident of Thailand, Louis-Sébastien Ohl, will share with us his appreciation of traditional textiles from Isaan, and why in his opinion its widely diverse people have produced, and still do, some of the most attractive, happy-looking textiles of Thailand. Isaan people have brought to life their beliefs and traditions in delicate, harmonious patterns woven in the complex mudmee (weft ikat) in fine silk or cotton, and are a unique legacy to the women who wove them.
For Louis-Sébastien, the strong graphic dimension of the textiles’ designs, enhanced by the complex and intricate mudmee technique, is what he finds pleases the mind. Patterns are almost abstract or in stylized shapes, inspired by the people’s environment, whether nature around them or animals. Colors are generally lively and at times deeply saturated. The high-quality locally produced home-spun silk generates a beautiful sheen.
Through some 40 selected antique and vintage traditional pieces, and a few contemporary creations from his collection, he will share with us why he believes that most village textiles from this region haven’t yet earned the status level of recognition they deserve among world and Thailand-based collectors.
The presentation will include scores of personal photographic materials, many taken in situ during Louis-Sébastien’s visits to local villages and manufactures. The talk aims at taking a fresher look at the beauty and diversity of Isaan textiles, particularly in silk.