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Collectibles - Dolls
Artisan Crafted Gifts and Decor From Around the World
 Cotton and porcelain doll, 'Lisaw Girl'
$34.95
now
on sale! $31.46
Ornate and elaborate, the Lisaw costumes reflect their philosophy - "I, or mine, is and always will be number one." An extravagant show of color in attire and jewelry characterizes the dress code of the Lisaw, so superbly recreated for this doll by Suwit Suthantha. This Lisaw girl will enthrall the admirer and collector of regional dolls. The Lisu, or Lisaw, are found at 500 feet above sea level in northern Thailand, and their colorful dresses differ greatly from the Lisaw of China and Burma, who dress in black. Thailand's Lisu women are always embellishing their attires in the pursuit of being number one, and when they dress up of their New Year celebration, the amount of jewelry they wear can weigh up to four pounds! Suthamtha made a number of trials before achieving the handcrafted perfection that characterizes his work and that of the artisans that collaborate with him. "I begin by molding the shape of the head, arms and legs in clay, and kiln the pieces at 1472eF. I then paint in the skin as well as the facial features. I use wire for the body, and shape it into a human posture, I wrap it with raw cloth and use kapok seeds for stuffing. I attach the ceramic limbs and face so that they may move. Then, women working at my workshop sew their clothes, I teach them how as well as about the different hill tribe costumes. Finally, I add jewelry items made of aluminum and zinc to authenticate what I see in real life." |
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 Cotton and porcelain display doll, 'Lanna Boy'
$42.95
now
on sale! $38.66
Dressed in pants and suit, with a golden sash over his shoulder, this doll attests to the elegant beauty that distinguishes the people of Lanna. Suwit Suthamtha recreates the attire with stark accuracy and refined taste, making this doll a superb addition to an international doll collection. 150 years ago, Lanna was ruled by their own king so the people there referred to themselves as Khon Muang, the people of the municipalities, and were renowned for their charm and interest in older cultures. Originally, men wore only pants and their torso was bare. Later they adopted the usage of a jacket, like the people of central Thailand. Suthamtha made a number of trials before achieving the handcrafted perfection that characterizes his work and that of the artisans that collaborate with him. "I begin by molding the shape of the head, arms and legs in clay, and kiln the pieces at 1472eF. I then paint in the skin as well as the facial features. I use wire for the body, and shape it into a human posture, I wrap it with raw cloth and use kapok seeds for stuffing. I attach the ceramic limbs and face so that they may move. Then, women working at my workshop sew their clothes, I teach them how as well as about the different hill tribe costumes. Finally, I add jewelry items made of aluminum and zinc to authenticate what I see in real life." |
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 Cotton and porcelain dolls, 'Karen Pwo' (pair)
$47.95
now
on sale! $43.16
Dressed in bold red and black, these dolls are endearing replicas of Karen hilltribe traditions. Featuring the traditional black garments worn by most hilltribes, the Karen also wear the intricately woven accessories they are famous for. Suwit Suthamtha dresses the woman in red, which according to tradition means she is married. She also wears a colorful beaded necklace and shiny jewelry. The Karen are renowned for their colorful weaves, which distinguish each subgroup within the Karen population of Thailand and Burma. This couple is from the Pwo branch. Karen's are hospitable out of caution; they believe an angered visitor might set a curse on the family or steal a family member's soul. Proud of their weaving skills, the Karen name has now become synonymous to that of "weaver." According to tradition, single women are expected to dress with loose v-neck white blouses whereas married women are allowed colorful skirts and blouses, usually in red and blue. These dolls are entirely handcrafted by Suthamtha. They feature a wire skeleton and a ceramic body to facilitate movement into a desired pose. The woman's face is shaped of porcelain while the man's is made of ceramic. Their expressive faces are delicately painted by hand. The clothes are recreated from cotton and Dacron cloth; the jewelry is made of aluminum and colorful plastic beads. 70% cotton, 30% Dacron. Please note, that since the flowers are made with whatever material is available, their color may differ to the one viewed in this picture. |
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 Wood display doll, 'Serene Man'
$49.95
Smooth crocodile wood carved by hand forms a delightful doll by Gusti Ngurah Semarajaya. The figure shows a serene countenance and elongated, artistic hands and feet. Dressed in handloomed ikat cloth, it is an exquisite example of Balinese art. "Ikat" means "to knot" in the Malaysian language, and the threads are tie-dyed weaving. The doll can be posed in a variety of positions; it can be displayed alone or on a base. |
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 Wood display doll, 'Serene Woman'
$52.95
Her face exudes enviable serenity while her eyes express wisdom. Her cotton dress features the legendary ikat weave of Indonesia. Gusti Ngurah Semarajaya carves her image from crocodile wood, creating a decorative doll that lures with vivid realism. The doll can be posed in a variety of positions. |
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 Wood display doll, 'Cat Who Loves Nature'
$64.99
Deep green eyes gaze far away as a cat communes with nature. Delicately painted by hand, flowers and butterflies adorn his face and a beautiful young woman is observed by a feral kitten. Gusti Ngurah Semarajaya explores the feline psyche in a beautiful doll, crafted by hand. Carved from crocodile wood and dressed in handloomed ikat cloth, the kitty can be posed in a variety of positions. "Ikat" means "to knot" in the Malaysian language, and the threads are dyed in random patterns before weaving. |
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 Cotton and ceramic doll, 'Akha Belle'
$32.95
now
on sale! $29.66
Poised and beautiful, this young girl proudly represents the Akha hill tribe. Suwit Suthamtha crafts the endearing doll faithful to the Akha's traditional clothing. Dressed in cotton, the face and limbs are shaped of ceramic and features kapok seeds for filling. Akhas believe in continuity and see themselves as a link in the chain of life which includes birth, procreation, the preservation of the Akha way of life - which venerates family life - and death, seen as a meeting with their ancestors. The Akha have a poetic code of life which governs all aspects of life from waking to sleeping, from birth to death. It covers laws, customs, religion, medicines, agriculture, architecture, blacksmith works, and handcrafts. Containing 10,000 lines, this code must be memorized by the village priest because for the most part, Akhas are illiterate. Their attire characterizes their origin, those who wear the Ulo are from Thailand, loimi is worn by immigrants from Burma and the phami is worn by the women of Mawn Po Chan. Distinction is further made between those who are married, and wear tall hats or u-cher, and single women who wear u-coe, or bonnets. |
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 Cotton and ceramic doll, 'Lisu Belle'
$32.95
now
on sale! $29.66
Poised and beautiful, this young girl proudly represents the Lisu hill tribe. Suwit Suthamtha crafts the endearing doll faithful to the Lisu's traditional clothing. Dressed in cotton, the face and limbs are shaped of ceramic and features kapok seeds for filling. The Lisu, or Lisaw, live in areas 500 feet above sea level in northern Thailand, and their colorful dresses differ greatly from the Lisaw of China and Burma, who dress in black. Thailand's Lisu women are always embellishing their attire in the pursuit of being number one, and when they dress up their their New Year celebration, the amount of jewelry they wear can weigh up to four pounds! |
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 Cotton and ceramic doll, 'Hmong Beau'
$29.95
now
on sale! $26.96
Poised and handsome, this young boy proudly represents the Hmong hill tribe. Suwit Suthamtha crafts the charming doll faithful to the Hmong's traditional clothing. Dressed in cotton, the face and limbs are shaped of ceramic and features kapok seeds for filling. The Hmong people live in many parts of Southeast Asia and are divided into two separate groups: the Blue Hmong and the White Hmong. Women traditionally handcraft clothing for their families using cotton or hemp, creating richly decorated attire with magnificent embroidery, often complemented by silver jewelry. For centuries the Hmong have sustained themselves through the cultivation of the opium poppy. However, most people are now seeking alternative markets, such as the fabrication and selling of exquisite needlework. Strict animists, the Hmong rely on shamans who use dramatic methods to contact the spirits. |
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 Cotton and ceramic display doll, 'Karen Belle'
$29.95
now
on sale! $26.96
Poised in colorful elegance, this doll models the legendary costume of the Karen hill tribe people. Suwit Suthamtha faithfully recreates her traditional attire, which is sewn of cotton. The doll's head and limbs of are crafted of ceramic over a wire body and kapok seeds filling. The jewelry is made of aluminum. The Karen are renowned for their colorful weaves, which distinguish each subgroup within the Karen population of Thailand and Burma. Hospitable out of caution, the Karen believe that if a family does not offer hospitality to a visitor, he in turn will be angered and might set a curse on the family or steal a family member's soul. The Karen are renowned for their weaving skills and dress code, for single women are expected to dress with loose v-neck blouses whereas married women are allowed colorful skirts and blouses, usually in red and blue. |
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 Cotton and porcelain doll, 'Lanna Girl'
$39.95
now
on sale! $35.96
Suwit Suthamtha presents this exquisite doll personifying an elegant girl from Lanna (northern Thailand). Renowned for their gracious beauty, Lanna girls customarily wear a sabai across the chest and a sarong. Suthamtha captures every minute detail, including makeup and bright yellow flowers upon her hair, adding a coquettish touch with her jewelry. With a ceramic face and limbs, this Lanna girl recalls the high class distinction for which the people of Lanna have been renowned. Her presence will bring a touch of sophisticated charm. Suthamtha made a number of trials before achieving the handcrafted perfection that characterizes his work and that of the artisans who collaborate with him. "I begin by molding the shape of the head, arms and legs in clay, and kiln the pieces at 1472eF. I then paint in the skin as well as the facial features. I use wire for the body, and shape it into a human posture, I wrap it with raw cloth and use kapok seeds for stuffing. I attach the ceramic limbs and face so that they may move. Then, women working at my workshop sew their clothes - I teach them how as well as about the different hill tribe costumes. Finally, I add jewelry items made of aluminum and zinc to authenticate what I see in real life." 150 years ago, Lanna was ruled by their own king so the people there referred to themselves as Khon Muang, the people of the municipalities, and were renowned for their charm and interest in older cultures. Mae-ying refers to the Lanna women of polite and graceful charm - always beautiful and elegant, as reflected by Suthamtha's doll. |
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 Cotton and porcelain doll, 'Yao Girl'
$37.95
now
on sale! $34.16
Dressed to brave the extreme cold weather of the high mountains, this doll represents women form the Yao hill tribe. Dressed snugly, her attire is recreated with careful consideration by Suwit Suthamtha and the artisans that work with him. The Yao, or Mien, are a unique hill tribe - known for the high value they place on propriety, decorum and dignified manners. They much prefer to talk and listen to folk tales than singing and dancing during celebrations. The Yao easily adopt children, whether form their own tribe or outside tribes such as the Shan, Laotian or Thai. Suthamtha made a number of trials before achieving the handcrafted perfection that characterizes his work and that of the artisans that collaborate with him: "I begin by molding the shape of the head, arms and legs in clay, and kiln the pieces at 1472eF. I then paint in the skin as well as the facial features. I use wire for the body, and shape it into a human posture, I wrap it with raw cloth and use kapok seeds for stuffing. I attach the ceramic limbs and face so that they may move. Then, women working at my workshop sew their clothes, I teach them how as well as about the different hill tribe costumes. Finally, I add jewelry items made of aluminum and zinc to authenticate what I see in real life." |
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 Cotton and porcelain doll, 'Lanna Dancer'
$52.95
now
on sale! $47.66
Sophisticated and exact in her movements, this Lanna dancer smiles as she greets during celebrations. Suwit Suthamtha is masterful at recreating the renowned elegance and poise of a woman from Lanna, and her ceramic hands mirror the enthralling movements in a Thai dance. A superb piece, this doll is certain to draw admiration. 150 years ago, Lanna was ruled by their own king so the people there referred to themselves as Khon Muang, "the people of the municipalities," and they were renowned for their charm and interest in older cultures. Dances are slow paced, mesmerizing audiences with their captivating beauty. Thai dances are renowned for the sophisticated hand movements, some of which refer a greeting during a celebration, especially Buddhist. Suthamtha made a number of trials before achieving the handcrafted perfection that characterizes his work and that of the artisans that collaborate with him. "I begin by molding the shape of the head, arms and legs in clay, and kiln the pieces at 1472eF. I then paint in the skin as well as the facial features. I use wire for the body, and shape it into a human posture, I wrap it with raw cloth and use kapok seeds for stuffing. I attach the ceramic limbs and face so that they may move. Then, women working at my workshop sew their clothes, I teach them how as well as about the different hill tribe costumes. Finally, I add jewelry items made of aluminum and zinc to authenticate what I see in real life." |
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 Cotton and ceramic dolls, 'Ethnic Couple' (pair)
$49.95
now
on sale! $44.96
This handsome couple is dressed in the tradition of northern Thailand, with the woman wearing a beautiful sarong. Hill tribe motifs adorn her short jacket. Her partner wears the red pants of the hill tribes and wraps his head in the style of Myanmar. Suwit Suthamtha crafts a beautiful couple that melds ethnic dress, as cultural styles cross political borders. The handcrafted dolls wear shiny aluminum jewelry and boast expressive ceramic faces. |
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 Cotton and ceramic doll, 'Hmong Belle'
$32.95
now
on sale! $29.66
Poised and beautiful, this young girl proudly represents the Hmong hill tribe. Suwit Suthamtha crafts the endearing doll faithful to the Hmong's traditional clothing. Dressed in cotton, the face and limbs are shaped of ceramic and features kapok seeds for filling. The Hmong people live in many parts of Southeast Asia and are divided into two separate groups: the Blue Hmong and the White Hmong. Women traditionally handcraft clothing for their families using cotton or hemp, creating richly decorated attire with magnificent embroidery, often complemented by silver jewelry. For centuries the Hmong have sustained themselves through the cultivation of the opium poppy. However, most people are now seeking alternative markets, such as the fabrication and selling of exquisite needlework. Strict animists, the Hmong rely on shamans who use dramatic methods to contact the spirits. |
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 Cotton and porcelain doll, 'Yao Belle'
$29.95
now
on sale! $26.96
Dressed snugly to brave the extreme cold weather of the high mountains, this doll is a proud representative of the Yao hill tribe. Suwit Suthamtha faithfully recreates her traditional attire, which is sewn of cotton. The doll's head and limbs are crafted of ceramic over a wire body and kapok seeds filling. The jewelry is made of aluminum. The Yao, or Mien, are a unique hill tribe that is known for the high value they place on propriety, decorum and dignified manners. They much prefer to talk and listen to folk tales than singing and dancing during celebrations. The Yao easily adopt children, whether from their own tribe or other tribes such as the Shan, Laotian or Thai. |
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 Cotton and ceramic doll, 'Lanna Belle'
$29.95
now
on sale! $26.96
This handcrafted doll from Suwit Suthamtha represents the legendary elegance of Lanna (northern Thailand). Suthamtha replicates every miniscule detail, including makeup and headdress, adding a coquettish touch with her colorful jewelry. The doll's head and limbs are crafted of ceramic over a wire body and a kapok seeds filling. Over 150 years ago, the people of Lanna where ruled by the king of Siam. They refer to themselves as Khon Muang, meaning "people of the principalities" and were renowned for their knowledge and interest in past cultures. They are closely related to the people of Laos, the Shan of Burma and the Siamese of central Thailand. |
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 Cotton and porcelain display doll, 'Lahu Girl'
$37.95
now
on sale! $34.16
Dressed in black with silver buttons, this doll is a stunning representative of the Lahu culture. Colorful embroidery work and beads brighten up her attire, which is faithfully recreated by an observant Suwit Suthamtha. Complete with the traditional jewelry of the area, this Lahu doll makes for a unique addition to a specialized doll collection. Lahu, or Musur, live in northern Thailand and take pride in their hunting abilities. Lahu are animists and believe one spirit controls all the others although 30% of them have converted to Christianity. Lahu are independent people and love entertainment and the easy life. Suthamtha made a number of trials before achieving the handcrafted perfection that characterizes his work and that of the artisans that collaborate with him. "I begin by molding the shape of the head, arms and legs in clay, and kiln the pieces at 1472eF. I then paint in the skin as well as the facial features. I use wire for the body, and shape it into a human posture, I wrap it with raw cloth and use kapok seeds for stuffing. I attach the ceramic limbs and face so that they may move. Then, women working at my workshop sew their clothes, I teach them how as well as about the different hill tribe costumes. Finally, I add jewelry items made of aluminum and zinc to authenticate what I see in real life." |
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 Cotton and porcelain display dolls, 'Lahu in Love' (pair)
$47.95
now
on sale! $43.16
Renowned as hunters, the Lahu dress in colorful garments for special celebrations. The women wear a red and black sarong and a white cloth on their head. Silver and beaded jewelry complement their captivating attires. The men wear loose shirt and pants, usually with blue motifs. Suwit Suthamtha masterfully recreates the Lahu dress code for this exquisite pair of dolls. The Lahu, or also Musur, live in northern Thailand and take pride in their hunting abilities. The Lahu are animists and believe one spirit controls all the others, although 30% of them have converted to Christianity. Lahu are independent people and love entertainment and the easy life. Due to economic hardships, Lahu women have improved their skills in weaving on back straps and on foot treadle looms. Lahu weaves are characterized by the fact that the pattern solely appears on one side of the cloth. Lahu women also produce delicate and colorful patchwork applique, banding and scalloping, and embroidery; they use silver half-sphere buttons to embellish their attires. These dolls are entirely handcrafted by Suthamtha. They feature a wire skeleton and a ceramic body to facilitate movement into a desired pose. The woman's face is shaped of porcelain while the man's is made of ceramic. Their expressive faces are delicately painted by hand. The clothes are recreated from cotton and Dacron cloth; the jewelry is made of aluminum and colorful plastic beads. 70% cotton, 30% Dacron. Please note, that since the flowers are made with whatever material is available, their color may differ to the one viewed in this picture. |
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 Cotton and porcelain doll, 'Sao Bo-Sang'
$47.95
now
on sale! $43.16
Dressed in rich elegance and style, this Sao Bo-Sang or umbrella girl from Chiang Mai is a testimony to the renowned beauty of the Lanna women. Suwit Suthamtha recreates every detail, her gold embroidered outfit recalling Thailand's millenary embroidery tradition, nicely accented with a golden sabai across her chest and shoulder. Her beautiful parasol mirrors those made of saa paper and with a keen eye for detail, Suthamtha has crafted it so it may close and open, as well as being detachable. Poised on her stand, this stunning Sao Bo-Sang makes for an exquisite addition to a refined collection. 150 years ago, Lanna was ruled by their own king so the people there referred to themselves as Khon Muang, the people of the municipalities, and were renowned for their charm and interest in older cultures. Sao refers to "young girl" and Bo-Sang is a district in Chiang Mai famous for their saa paper and cloth parasols. Suthamtha made a number of trials before achieving the handcrafted perfection that characterizes his work and that of the artisans that collaborate with him. "I begin by molding the shape of the head, arms and legs in clay, and kiln the pieces at 1472eF. I then paint in the skin as well as the facial features. I use wire for the body, and shape it into a human posture, I wrap it with raw cloth and use kapok seeds for stuffing. I attach the ceramic limbs and face so that they may move. Then, women working at my workshop sew their clothes - I teach them how as well as about the different hill tribe costumes. Finally, I add jewelry items made of aluminum and zinc to authenticate what I see in real life." The parasol is detachable so Suthamtha recommends to slip it in the girl's hand, slightly tilted for it will not stand straight. |
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 Cotton and porcelain display dolls, 'White Hmong Couple' (pair)
$47.95
now
on sale! $43.16
This handsome, elegant couple is dressed in the tradition of the Hmong, one of Thailand's hill tribes. Suwit Suthamtha is extremely careful in the reproduction of their garments and accessories, ensuring a faithful depiction. Both dressed in black, the woman wears shiny aluminum jewelry akin to the original silver accessories. Embroidered sashes with exuberant colors feature patterns of genuine Hmong inspiration. There are two groups within the Hmong, the Blue Hmongs and the White Hmongs. For centuries, the Hmong have sustained themselves through the cultivation of the opium poppy. However, most people are now seeking alternative markets, such as the fabrication and selling of exquisite needlework. Women traditionally sew by hand the family's clothes, which are usually made of cotton or hemp. Their garments are richly decorated with magnificent embroideries, and they are fond of wearing silver jewelry. These dolls are entirely handcrafted by Suthamtha. They feature a wire skeleton and a ceramic body to facilitate movement into a desired pose. The woman's face is shaped of porcelain while the man's is made of ceramic. Their expressive faces are delicately painted by hand. The clothes are recreated from cotton and Dacron; the jewelry is made of aluminum and colorful plastic beads. 70% cotton, 30% Dacron. Please note, that since the flowers are made with whatever material is available, their color may differ to the one viewed in this picture. |
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 Cotton and porcelain doll, 'Akha Girl'
$27.95
now
on sale! $25.16
The graceful beauty and colorful elegance of the Akha women is captured with sensitive care by Suwit Suthamtha. This doll of ceramic face is dressed in an Ulo, comprising of a black long jacket and pants, and accented with red, yellow and green. Her elaborate headdress features long and colorful strands of wool and her jewelry complements the whole costume with a touch of sublime delicacy. Makes for superb gift to surprise the admirer of authentic international fashions. Akhas believe in continuity and see themselves as a link in the chain of life which includes birth, procreation, the preservation of the Akha way of life - which venerates family life - and death, seen as a meeting with their ancestors. The Akha have a poetic code of life which governs all aspects of life from waking to sleeping, from birth to death. It covers laws, customs, religion, medicines, agriculture, architecture, blacksmith works, and handcrafts. Containing 10,000 lines, this code must be memorized by the village priest because for the most part, Akhas are illiterate. Their attire characterizes their origin, those who wear the Ulo are from Thailand, loimi is worn by immigrants from Burma and the phami is worn by the women of Mawn Po Chan. Distinction is further made between those who are married, and wear tall hats or u-cher, and single women who wear u-coe, or bonnets. Suthamtha made a number of trials before achieving the handcrafted perfection that characterizes his work and that of the artisans that collaborate with him. "I begin by molding the shape of the head, arms and legs in clay, and kiln the pieces at 1472eF. I then paint in the skin as well as the facial features. I use wire for the body, and shape it into a human posture, I wrap it with raw cloth and use kapok seeds for stuffing. I attach the ceramic limbs and face so that they may move. Then, women working at my workshop sew their clothes, I teach them how as well as about the different hill tribe costumes. Finally, I add jewelry items made of aluminum and zinc to authenticate what I see in real life." |
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 Cotton and ceramic doll, 'Karen Girl'
$27.95
now
on sale! $25.16
The admirable dress of the Karen women is recreated with singular accuracy by Suwit Suthamtha. Beads of many colors complement the colorful attire, and the doll features the famous woven and embroidered artistry of the Karen women. The Karen are renowned for their colorful weaves, which distinguish each subgroup within the Karen population of Thailand and Burma. Hospitable out of caution, the Karen believe that if a family does not offer hospitality to a visitor, he in turn will be angered and might set a curse on the family or steal a family member's soul. Proud of their weaving skill, the Karen name has now become synonymous to "weaver" and single women are expected to dress with loose v-neck blouses whereas married women are allowed colorful skirts and blouses, usually in red and blue. Suthamtha made a number of trials before achieving the handcrafted perfection that characterizes his work and that of the artisans that collaborate with him: "I begin by molding the shape of the head, arms and legs in clay, and kiln the pieces at 1472eF. I then paint in the skin as well as the facial features. I use wire for the body, and shape it into a human posture, I wrap it with raw cloth and use kapok seeds for stuffing. I attach the ceramic limbs and face so that they may move. Then, women working at my workshop sew their clothes, I teach them how as well as about the different hill tribe costumes. Finally, I add jewelry items made of aluminum and zinc to authenticate what I see in real life." |
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 Cotton and ceramic doll, 'Paduang Belle'
$29.95
now
on sale! $26.96
Smiling with pride, this doll represents the customs and traditions of the Paduang people. To them, the beauty of a woman lies in the length of her neck and the number of rings she wears around it. Suwit Suthamtha crafts the doll's head and limbs of ceramic, and her traditional attire is sewn of cotton. Suthamtha shapes the body with wire and makes a filing of kapok seeds. The jewelry is made of aluminum. Although the Paduang are considered to be a group within the Karen, they do not speak any of their three languages. The Paduangs mainly live in Burma and a few have migrated to Northern Thailand. Paduang women are renowned for their foot-long necks adorned with up to 16 to 20 brass or silver rings, and they also wear up to 30 rings around their calves, for they believe the number of rings is a measure of their beauty. |
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 Cotton and ceramic dolls, 'Northern Charm' (pair)
$59.95
now
on sale! $53.96
Young and beautiful, a couple in ethnic dress represents the charm of Northern Thailand. The handsome man boasts red pants favored by the hill tribes, while his jacket is sewn from central Thai textiles. He wraps his head in the style of Myanmar. Shy and demure, the girl combs her hair into a smooth chignon to show off her aluminum earrings. Her green sarong is northern in style, while her shirt shows hill tribe motifs. Suwit Suthamtha crafts the dolls by hand with expressive ceramic faces. |
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 Cotton and ceramic doll, 'Hmong Charm'
$29.95
now
on sale! $26.96
Dressed with colorful elegance, this young girl proudly represents the Hmong hill tribe. Suwit Suthamtha crafts the endearing doll faithful to the Hmong's traditional clothing. Dressed in cotton, the face and limbs are shaped of ceramic and features kapok seeds for filling. The Hmong people live in many parts of Southeast Asia and are divided into two separate groups: the Blue Hmong and the White Hmong. Women traditionally handcraft clothing for their families using cotton or hemp, creating richly decorated attire with magnificent embroidery, often complemented by silver jewelry. For centuries the Hmong have sustained themselves through the cultivation of the opium poppy. However, most people are now seeking alternative markets, such as the fabrication and selling of exquisite needlework. Strict animists, the Hmong rely on shamans who use dramatic methods to contact the spirits. |
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 Cotton and porcelain doll, 'Paduang Woman'
$39.99
For the Paduang, the beauty of a woman lies in the length of her neck indicated by the number of rings she wears around it. Suwit Suthamtha exemplifies this age-old tradition with this exquisite doll, dressed with a woven skirt and wearing a singular headdress made lavish with color beaded motifs. This Paduang doll makes a remarkable addition to a beloved doll collection. Although the Paduang are considered to be a group within the Karen, they do not speak any of their three languages. The Paduangs mainly live in Burma and a few have migrated to Northern Thailand. Paduang women are renowned for their foot-long necks adorned with up to 16 to 20 brass or silver rings, and they also wear up to 30 rings around their calves, for they believe the number of rings is a measure of their beauty. Suthamtha made a number of trials before achieving the handcrafted perfection that characterizes his work and that of the artisans that collaborate with him. "I begin by molding the shape of the head, arms and legs in clay, and kiln the pieces at 1472eF. I then paint in the skin as well as the facial features. I use wire for the body, and shape it into a human posture, I wrap it with raw cloth and use kapok seeds for stuffing. I attach the ceramic limbs and face so that they may move. Then, women working at my workshop sew their clothes, I teach them how as well as about the different hill tribe costumes. Finally, I add jewelry items made of aluminum and zinc to authenticate what I see in real life." |
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