Thai silk is famous in the word in term of their unique characteristics. Sericulture has been on going in Thailand for over 4,000 years as evidenced by the scrap of silk fabric found attached to a prehistoric bronze bracelet found in Northeast part of Thailand.
Mud-mee (Ikate) : Mud-mee, is regarded as the "Queen of Thai Silk" because of its intricate patterns, is a venerable textile traditional of the Northeastern region of Thailand which is different design according to its locality. Mud-mee is made by tying string on the yarns of either the warp or the weft in the desired pattern. The yarns are then dyed, and the exposed portions do not. After dying, the strings are removed and the piece is woven. In most Thai Mud-mee, the design is tied on the weft however, in some provinces such as Chiang-mai, Maehongson, Ratchavuri, and Petchavuri, it is the warp that is tied.
Silk and fine textiles have always held an importance place in the Thai royal courts. Magnificent brocaded silk costumes , heavily embellished with gold , were a sign of wealth ,power and noble birth . They enriched ceremonial occasions and served as a medium of exchange or gifts. A knowledge of costumes and their importance can be gained from mural paintings and figurines or from description by early foreign travellers.
