This sun/star pattern that is the primary motif in this silk scarf series woven in Sam Tai, is probably one of the most common motifs used in Lao textiles. Patricia Cheesman in
Lao-Tai Textiles: The Textiles of Xam Nuea and Muang Phuan writes that geometric designs like these "representing the sun, moon and stars are often woven, especially on household items such as blankets and mosquito net decorations in the Xam Nuea style. These motifs are large and dynamic on the blankets while those on the mosquito net decorations are smaller in scale according to the width of the textiles. A twelve-pointed star is the moon and with a circle around it represents the ring around the moon. An eight-pointed star is the sun motif. Buddhist interpretation of these motifs is sunflowers and sandalwood flowers, and they are woven in a smaller scale on tube skirts and other items of clothing."
This sun/star motif pattern in these silk shawls is probably as dramatic as you'll find in a Lao textile. It was fun to put together the section photo by combining four photos taken of the sun/star motif from four different shawls.
Other motifs featured in these silk shawls are protective nagas and the mythologically powerful diamond designs.
