Laos Essential Artistry's own Nok Hong Kham Heritage Silk Scarf. Each silk scarf is made with natural dyed silk and the pattern is based on a simple Lao geometric motif that we feel provides an appealing contrast to the soft-hued colors of the natural-dyed silk without being overpowering. In the main pattern you will see a geometric “figure” between what looks like two X’s. That geometric figure is called a “dok khom” which is a stylized flower. Dok is the prefix used in describing all flowers in Laos, but this particular flower, dok khom, only comes to life through the weaver’s imagination. The dok khom in the scarves are especially beautiful as the weaver incorporates three different complementary colors that bestow a subtle multi-dimensional effect.
The two X’s should really be looked at as two opposing V’s and are called “Dok Khuam gab Dok Gnai.” What they represent are two flowers, one flower facing up back-to-back to a flower facing down. Again, these are not supposed to represent real flowers, but a stylized flower motif utilized by Lao weavers.
In the ikat bands framing the main pattern the design is called dok dao (star flower) which utilizes a patterning technique call sam lam, where three knots are tied in a three step pattern. When looking at the ikat on the sins and scarves, and especially the sinhs, we “see” birds flying, rather than stars.
Our Nok Hong Kham Scarves, with their soft and supple texture are silky smooth, and combine that with the selection of varied soft-hued colors you can choose from, you’ll not only look great, you'll feel great too! Our Nok Hong Kham Silk Scarves are the perfect accessory to add color and personalized style to any outfit and are a great gift idea to introduce someone to the artistry of Lao weaving.
