Text by: Jason Rolan

Photos by: Phoonsab Thevongsa

I stand in front of a century-old silk sinh (traditional skirt) that glows like captured moonlight in the morning sun, its gold threads catching the light like stars frozen in indigo silk. The weaver who created this masterpiece has long since passed, but her fingers speak through every intricate motif – nagas curling through lotus blooms, elephants parading beneath celestial diamonds. This isn’t just a skirt; it’s a poem written in thread, a story told in silk.

This masterpiece is just one of the countless treasures now on display at the “Textile Treasures of Laos” exhibition, which opened in October at the Hor Kham Residence, just next to the Presidential Palace. Here, the Lao Handicrafts Association has pulled off something remarkable: curating prized heirloom pieces loaned from families across the country for public display.

The exhibition, officially opened by First Lady Madame Naly Sisoulith and Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Madame Suansavanh Vignaket, spreads across two sections that tell a fascinating story of Lao textile arts. The first room is the heritage hall with over 100 pieces that showcase traditional Lao weaving at its finest. Each piece tells its own story through complex motifs, from ancient symbols of fertility and protection to patterns representing local folklore and Buddhist mythology. Some of these textiles are older than the French Protectorate and have aged better than any colonial architecture.

The exhibition unfolds across two thoughtfully curated sections. The first space serves as a testament to traditional Lao weaving mastery, displaying over 100 heritage textiles. Among these treasures are intricately patterned sinhs, ceremonial textiles, and household pieces, some dating back more than a century.

In the adjacent gallery, visitors discover how contemporary artisans are taking those ancient motifs and giving them a modern spin. Think traditional naga patterns reimagined on minimalist wall hangings, and centuries-old techniques applied to contemporary fashion pieces. It’s like watching tradition do a spectacular forward flip into the 21st century while maintaining the soul of Lao craftsmanship.

The exhibition setting itself enhances the experience. The Hor Kham Residence, with architectural nods to French Indochina and serene gardens, provides an elegant backdrop for these textile treasures. Natural light streaming through floor-to-ceiling windows illuminates the subtle variations in silk threads and complex weaving patterns, while careful lighting design highlights the textiles’ rich colors and intricate details.

For visitors seeking refreshment between galleries, the onsite branch of Naked Espresso offers locally sourced coffee and toothsome snacks. There is something deeply satisfying about sipping a perfectly pulled espresso while contemplating a piece of silk older than your great-grandmother.

The exhibition does more than display beautiful textiles; it demonstrates the depth and sophistication of Lao weaving traditions. Each piece tells multiple stories: the technical mastery of its creator, the cultural significance of its patterns, and the family history it represents.

The contemporary section proves that Lao traditional arts are not fossils in a museum – they are living, breathing forms of expression. Watching young designers work with master weavers to create pieces that honor tradition while pushing boundaries is exactly the kind of cultural evolution that keeps craft traditions relevant. Help support local artisans with the purchase of contemporary pieces and ensure these ancient skills continue to thrive in modern Laos.

Fair warning

after seeing these masterpieces, you will never look at the factory-made sinhs in the morning market quite the same way again. And that’s exactly the point.

More info: The exhibition is located on the southeastern edge of the Presidential Palace and is accessible daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Photography is permitted without flash, allowing visitors to capture the beauty of these extraordinary textiles while ensuring their preservation for future generations.

Getting there: Lao Airlines has many domestic and international flight routes to Vientiane