Silk Hip Wrapper for Nobleman

Two characteristic Southeast Asian techniques were used to make this phaa nung (hip wrapper): mat mii (ikat), in which the pattern is dyed onto the weft threads before the textile is woven; and the supplementary gold weft brocade called phaa yok. Similar to court nielloware, the textile design, particularly the two bars bordering the ground of the silk, indicates it was intended for a nobleman. Textiles in this style were worn exclusively within the court. -
Gift from King Mongkut to President Franklin Pierce, 1856