Antique Cambodian Silk / Khmer Ikat Collection ‘94-’96
Antique Cambodian Silk
The skill and sheer number of hours in making something like this is mind-blowing.
Detail on edge of three meter piece.
The Beauty and Craftsmanship of Khmer Silk
The skill and sheer number of hours needed to create antique Cambodian silk is mind-blowing. These textiles are soft yet incredibly strong, with intricate patterns that represent centuries of Khmer weaving traditions.
Collecting Antique Silk in Phnom Penh’s Markets
During my years living in Phnom Penh in the mid-1990s, I began collecting antique Cambodian silk. At that time, it was still possible to find very old pieces at markets like the Russian Market (P’sa Toul Tom Poung).
My collection includes three main types:
Long pieces (over three meters)
Sompat or sarongs (just under two meters)
Tie-dyed pieces, believed to be Cham in origin
Expert Validation
In 1996, I had the opportunity to show my collection to Dr. Mattiebelle Gittinger, one of the foremost experts on Southeast Asian textiles. She confirmed the quality of my collection, noting that while my budget was limited, I had done very well.
At that time, she was sourcing pieces for the Queen of Thailand’s collection, with a budget of up to USD 15,000 per textile. She explained that Cambodia no longer had old pieces of that caliber—most of the finest vintage Cambodian ikat could be found in Long Beach, California, home to the largest Khmer community outside Cambodia.
Russian Market, Phnom Penh, 2006
