Lanna Crafts II

Lanna History (cont.):

Some charming Lanna Crafts were recommended in previous post, but the long story of Lanna history was not over yet. Please follow us back to the past of Lanna.

The prosperity era of Lanna Kingdom was in 1898-2068 B.E., around 170 years. The prosperity had been obviously developed since King Kue Na (the sixth king of Meng Rai Dynasty) till King Kaew (the eleventh king of Meng Rai Dynasty), six reigning kings totally. The highest prosperity or the Golden Age was in the reign of King Tilokarat (1984-2030 B.E., 46 years). The Lanna Kingdom Golden Age remarkable features were:

King Tilokarat

- The widest expansion of territory comparing to any era; North: to Shan state in Burma and Sipsongpanna of China, South: to the border cities of Ayutthaya (Kamphaeng Phet, Phitsanulok, Sukhothai, etc.), East: captured Phrae and Nan cities, and spread to Lan Xang Kingdom of Luangprabang.

- Flourished Religions

- Good Economy

In the last two years of King Kaew (2066-2068 B.E.), there were some events leaded to Lanna Kingdom weakness and deterioration as follows:

- Year 2066 B.E., King Kaew sent 20,000 soldiers to war at Chiang Dtung (or Kengtong), but be defeated.

- In 2068 B.E., there was a large flood at Chiang Mai capital which caused a lot of dead people, and also King Kaew passed away.

Today recommended Crafts/Handmade Products:

- 'Bracelet, 'Lanna Shield' ‘ from NOVICA*, an extraordinary crafted bracelet. 0.925 rating silver, fashions a filigree of jasmine blossoms on a silver cuff, inspiration from the gardens of the craft maker’s village.

Bracelet, 'Lanna Shield

- 'Batik art, 'Lanna Melodies' ‘ from NOVICA*, dressed according to the fashion dictates of ancient Lanna, a woman gently picks at the strings of a white sueng. Her sweet melodies are graphically depicted in a portrait. Crafted with batik techniques on cotton, it is framed in rain tree wood.

Batik art, 'Lanna Melodies

*NOVICA: who works in association with National Geographic, searches the world to work directly with the finest artisan designers.

(To be continued)

Lanna Crafts I

Lanna History:

Before we go to see the valuable and beautiful Lanna Crafts, we should know about Lanna history as the background.

Lanna in present day is located in the Northern part of Thailand which consists of its long history in the past as follows. Around the 13^th to 18^th century of Buddhist era before origination of Lanna Kingdom in the 19^th century, there were several scattered states around the Northern valleys of Thailand, i.e. Haripunchai, Yonok, Khelang Nakhon, Phrae Town, Pua Town, and Phayao Town. They had their own histories before being merged to be Lanna Kingdom.

Three Lanna Kings Monument

The initiation of Lanna Kingdom started from 1839 B.E. after King Mengrai (or Phaya Mengrai, Thai language) gathered many states in the region as mentioned above. On April 12, 1839 B.E., when King Mengrai (center in above picture) was 57 years old, the king invited King Ngam Muang of Phayao (left) and King Ramkhamhaeng the Great of Sukhothai (right) to set planning of the Chiang Mai city boundary and established as the capital. From then onwards (more than 700 years past), the Lanna Kingdom entered into the founding era which was reigned by four kings respectively.

Today recommended Crafts/Handmade Products:

Men’s sterling silver
spinner band ring,
Lanna Hero

- ‘Men’s sterling silver spinner band ring, Lanna Hero’ by NOVICA*, .925 Sterling silver masculine design of this ring glows with a tinge of ancestral elegance, the band ring is crafted with the lost wax technique featuring a sterling silver braid. Oxidized and polished contrasts combine into an attractive finish.

Cotton cushion covers,
'Lanna Ladies' Charm' (pair)

- ‘Cotton cushion covers, 'Lanna Ladies' Charm' (pair)’ by NOVICA*, three women from Lanna (northern Thailand) pose cheerfully in an original composition of great charm. Use batik on 100% cotton in a pair of handmade cushion covers, ideal for informal contemporary decor. This pair will feature the same design, but the colors may vary slightly to those pictured, making each a unique work of art.

*NOVICA: who works in association with National Geographic, searches the world to work directly with the finest artisan designers.

(To be continued)