Embroidered crystal curtain ties added to ‘busabok’ for first time

Somkid Sammawutthi, an artist with the Office of Traditional Arts, said this would be the first time that the department has added beautifully designed crystal curtain ties embroidered with beetle wings to decorate the curtains of a busabok, or small pavilion, on the chariot. 
Dating back more than two centuries, the chariot was built in 1795 in the reign of King Rama I. It is made of carved wood, lacquered and gilded, and decorated with glass. 
“The impeccable curtains were created with delicate adornments using a technique called ‘Thong Pae Laod’ with a stitching of gold silk threads in a traditional, graceful Thepphanom angle pattern and trimmed with green colour. This is an ancient technique, which is only used for kings, queens and royal families. ‘Thong Pae Laod’ was also used to create the five-tiered umbrella, seven-tiered umbrella and curved flags for three royal carriages. 
“To enhance the beauty of the fabric appropriately, we designed new curtain ties using crystal strings in the shape of a Prachamyam [four-petal flower] motif. At the tip it is tied with meticulous beetle-wing tassels with the top metal part designed similar to the Royal Barge Suphannahong. 
“As we know, the art of beetle-wing embroidery was preserved by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. We think the material is sensational for Their Majesties the Queen and the late King, who have tirelessly done so much for all of us for the 70 years of his reign. 
“The beetle-wing embroidery is a delicate art that requires expertise and imagination. Such materials are suitable in creating striking colours. In addition to these, the beetle-wing embroidery will also be found in the decoration of the Garuda pattern on the curved flag for the Royal Great Victory Chariot” she said.