Thursday, December 22, 2011

Thai Umbrellas Part II...............


The Bo Sang 'Umbrella Villagers' have been making umbrellas for over two centuries in this village just east of the beautiful city of Chiang Mai!  The art has been handed down through a small number of families.  This typical agricultural village became involved with the introduction of Saa - a paper made from the bark of the mulberry tree - combined with dedication and inherent arts and crafts skills.


This is one of my favorite images - it reminds me of the ballet.


Besides Saa paper, umbrellas are made in silk and cotton, many adorned with hand painted northern Thailand images of scenery, flowers, animals and birds.




I thought the black and white umbrellas just fabulous - unfortunately they were large and would not fit in my luggage.  Now of course I'm kicking myself for not shipping some back!


This gentleman was working on a custom order - such a beautiful color, wonder where they were to be used.


There are literally thousands of umbrellas for sale, all hand painted and so pretty.  I did manage to bring back a few small ones for some special little girls in my life.





Gorgeous pinks................


..........heavenly blues and sunny yellows.  I wanted them all!


Couldn't resist being the center of attention for a minute during the umbrella factory visit. Hey, after riding an elephant the previous day, this was easy!!


All the people at the village were truly dedicated to their work producing these vivid pieces of art.  The steps are tedious, their hands showed scars from years of repetitious motions, but pride in their beautiful creations was evident............as it should be. 
A beautiful place to visit in Thailand.

11 comments:

  1. This is such a lovely post. :-)

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  2. Gentle music paired with these vibrant images .. perfect tonic for early morning here.

    Joyeux Noël

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  3. Mary, the umbrellas are gorgeous. Loved your photo I am glad you are having a grand time on your trip. Or are you home by now. I need to catch up with what is happening in your life. I'm thinking you must be home by now.
    Missing your visits Mary.
    Merry Christmas.
    Love, Jeanne

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  4. Oh I would have loved visiting here. They are all beautiful and I wouldn't have been able to resist at least carrying one with me. If I were to go back I would have to go here.

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  5. They are truly beautiful - and I'm sure that some young girls will be thrilled with their gifts!

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  6. Mary, I am so enjoying your posts about your amazing trip! The umbrellas are just crazy fabulous! I just made a kamakazee trip down to Suzanna's for some xmas shopping. I need to come back when it is warm and take my time. Maybe we can hook up again sometime.
    Don't stop with the travel pics though. Your pictures are amazing and I can't get enough. xo, Suzy
    Merry Christmas!!

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  7. These umbrellas are amazing - I really like those orange and gold ones that were being decorated for a custom order - a wedding maybe?

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  8. These umbrellas are so beautiful and you showed them so well in your pictures. Several years ago we went to Chiang Mai and rode the elephants but we did not see these umbrellas. I saw your comment on my blog. Before we left on our trip I sent you an email on Dec. 2 to thank you for my lovely prize. You did not get my email? I was so surprised and pleased to receive it – thank you so much. I hope you have a great Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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  9. I just repaired a pretty red umbrella that I bought at an Umbrella shop in Chaing Mai...probaby the same place! They were amazing artist. They painted my camera case for me! Let's get together sometime soon! Hugs, Donna C.

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