Join us on a special visit to Ratchaburi to view the exhibition “Phut Paa Pee” which translates to “Buddhist Spirit Textiles”. The exhibition showcases important pieces of Tai Yuan textiles from the Tao Hong Tai's collection gathered over the last five decades. The theme explores the local weaving heritage of this ethnic group, intertwined with their ways of life, spiritual beliefs and ceremonies. Originally from Lana and due to warfare, the Tai Yuan were forced to move southwards to central Thailand where they resettled in various areas that include Ratchaburi, Saraburi, and Nakhon Pathom. The textiles are attractively shown in the "Tao Hong Tai: d Kunst Art Space and Café” situated along the river in downtown Ratchaburi. We’ll then visit Wat Muang Vernacular Museum located in Wat Muang, an old Buddhist temple of the Mon ethnic community, founded during the reign of King Narai of Ayutthaya (17th century). The local Mon have actively preserved their culture, and one of their initiatives was setting up a museum to showcase the religious artifacts found at the temple. Highlights of the museum are the collection of Buddhist manuscript wrappers made of valuable fabrics, and 'Kammavasa' lacquered manuscripts that are of Burmese/Mon style, some with amazing Ayutthaya decorative details, a feature that makes them truly rare.

Join us for the unique exhibition by Belgian artist Wayn Traub, who will lead us and explain his work of hand-woven vestments, inspired by Sakon Nakhon silk that was woven into Minsterwood. This exhibition was created by the artist with more than 26 years of experience in the worlds of art, cinema, music, and theatre. The art pieces on display took more than ten years to develop, refining every element in order to fully convey the artist’s emotions, handcrafted by numerous Thai artisans, whom he oversaw with his vast experience. The pieces draw upon religious beliefs centered on transformation, combined with inspiration from traditional Thai hand-weaving. These elements are translated into objects of faith through clerical cloaks within this work. The exhibition further develops the cinematic project Minsterwood, with the pieces on display being the actual objects used in the film itself. Traub earned a master’s degree in film directing and art history before developing his career as a theatre director, and later serving as artistic director at leading institutions such as Bourla Opera (Antwerp) and Le Théâtre de la Ville (Paris). He has also collaborated with legendary artists including Jane Birkin and Alejandro Jodorowsky, and is regarded as a pioneering artist of Cinema Opera. Venue: RCB Galleria 5, 3rd Floor, River City Bangkok Admission: Free

This year, Dr Navamintr Tom Vitayakul will bring his collections of classical kimonos to juxtapose with contemporary creations of Issey Miyake. Kimonos are the vibrant, trend-setting garments that keep evolving from the Edo-period “Floating World” (Ukiyo-e) culture, documented in prints of samurais, actors and courtesans, to modern interpretations blending tradition and digital innovation. The talk will start from the traditions of kimono in its history, identity, status, seasons, and occasions. Then it will explore the artistry of designs and techniques from weaving, dyeing, embroidery, and printing to create patterns, colours, textures, and symbols. Kimono isn’t just clothing but a statement signalling social rank, personal taste, and even allegiance. It will further move to the transition to modernity in Japonisme, the widespread influence of Japanese art, fashion, and aesthetics on Western culture in the mid-19th to the early 20th century, which brought the craze for all things Japanese. Through trade and public exposure, Japanese woodblock prints, ceramics, and textiles impacted visual styles and art movements. Finally, in the Digital Age, the late designer Issey Miyake will be honoured for his fusion of creative philosophy and fashion innovation in technology-driven clothing and objects. Miyake’s designs from special collections will be displayed and discussed. Come and join this TTS Collector’s Corner in your favourite kimono or in a conversational piece by Issey Miyake to celebrate all things “Made in Japan*”. Dr Navamintr Tom Vitayakul co-owns and works at The Rose Hotel Bangkok, The Rose Residence and Ruen Urai Fine Thai Cuisine. He is a Council Member at The Siam Society Under Royal Patronage and a Textile Advisor at the Thai Textile Society Committee. He spoke at four former Collector’s Corners and has contributed to Thai and English magazines on art, culture, travel and lifestyle. As well, he wrote several articles and provided exceptional photographs for the TTS Newsletter and Pah Thai magazine.