At Inle Lake, weavers still carry on the unique tradition of weaving with thread created from the stems of the beautiful lotus flower.
The weaving centre that I visited was creating natural coloured weaves relying on the textural interest created by the contrast between the thicker lotus threads and the finer silk.
Coarser lotus threads inlaid as small motifs:
Natural lotus threads stand out against a blue silk weft:
How exactly is thread made from lotus stems?
To find out, take a look at Inle Lake: Lotus Threads for video and details of how this special thread is created
It has always been a pleasure to read your blog! Thank you so much for putting them on the web.
so are the lotus threads the warp and silk the weft?
Yes, that’s how it looked to me in the blue piece. I didn’t have a translator with me that day to help me ask questions.