Hip Wrapper (Pha Nung) with Stylized Floral and Foliate Decor

A long bolt of cloth worn wrapped around the hips, this garment, known as a “pha nung,” is made of royal blue silk with decorative patterns woven in supplementary wefts of dark red silk and gold threads. A large, rectangular decorative field of rerepeated patterns of stylized flowers and leaves appears at the center of the wrapper; borders of styled flowers and geometric designs frame the central field. The ends of the cloth sport repeated bands of stylized leaves in triangular formations. An especially luxurious textile, this “pha nung” was likely made for a wealthy client.