Traditional Thai Woven Silk Elephant Motif Tote Bag
Tote / Flat Shoulder Bag (Artisanal Textile Tote) · Unbranded / Artisanal Craftsmanship (Thailand - Regional Craft)
Collection: Traditional Southeast Asian Handwoven Silk & Brocade Textile Series
Style
Tote / Flat Shoulder Bag (Artisanal Textile Tote)
Brand
Unbranded / Artisanal Craftsmanship (Thailand - Regional Craft)
Material
Handwoven Thai raw silk exterior with metallic brocade (Lurex/gold thread) geometric and elephant motif weaving; lightweight fabric lining with internal soft padding construction.
Dimensions
Width: 28 cm (11 inches), Height: 35 cm (13.8 inches), Depth: 2 cm (0.8 inches), Strap Drop: 22 cm (8.7 inches).
Description
This elegant fabric tote bag showcases classic Thai textile artistry. Crafted from slubbed charcoal silk, it features delicate gold metallic pin-striping across the upper body and an ornate gold brocade border along the hem, depicting sacred elephant motifs and traditional geometric patterns. The slim profile and padded construction make it a lightweight yet eye-catching cultural accessory.
Key Features
Woven gold elephant motif (Chang motif, symbolic of Thailand), slubbed silk texture, lightweight padded body, and seamless soft rolled fabric shoulder handles.
Material & Construction
Handwoven Thai raw silk exterior with metallic brocade (Lurex/gold thread) geometric and elephant motif weaving; lightweight fabric lining with internal soft padding construction.
Color & Pattern
Charcoal grey/slate blue woven slub silk base with intricate metallic gold brocade featuring a repeated elephant and diamond/chevron geometric border pattern along the lower panel.
Hardware Details
No visible exterior metal hardware; features soft fabric construction throughout with no external metal feet or external rivets.
Interior Description
Monochrome fabric lining with a single main compartment, lightweight foam padding for structural stability, and a simple interior slip pocket.
Closure Type
Open top silhouette, typical of light flat shoulder totes.
Strap & Handle Details
Dual rolled fabric handles covered in matching woven silk textile, attached directly to the interior top rim.
Craftsmanship Details
Intricate jacquard-style brocade weaving with gold metallic threads, even hand-finishing on rolled handles, and padded fabric lining for structured flexibility.
Authentication Indicators
Artisanal piece rather than luxury designer; key quality markers include uniform brocade tension, consistent stitch density on top edge seams, and natural slub texture characteristic of genuine Thai raw silk.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in Thailand (likely Chiang Mai or Isan region artisanal textile workshops).
Era & Period
Contemporary Traditional Craft (2010s–2020s), inspired by centuries-old Thai handweaving techniques.
Age Estimate
Circa 2015–2023 (Modern regional artisan production).
Cultural Significance
Reflects the rich heritage of Thai silk weaving, popularized globally by Jim Thompson in the mid-20th century, celebrating indigenous textile arts and symbolic regional iconography.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Excellent condition with smooth fabric weave, clean structure, intact metallic threads, and minimal wear along the bottom corners.
Value Estimate
Estimated Market Value: $20 – $50 USD (Artisanal/Souvenir market range depending on silk grade).
Care & Maintenance
Dry clean or spot clean gently with a damp cloth; avoid abrasive contact to prevent snagging delicate metallic threads; store flat stuffed with tissue in a dry environment away from direct sunlight.
Similar Handbags
Jim Thompson Thai Silk Totes, Souvenir Brocade Fabric Bags, Indian Banarasi Brocade Shoulder Bags.
Interesting Facts
In Thai culture, the elephant (Chang) is a royal symbol representing strength, good fortune, and prosperity. Brocade silk bags featuring elephant motifs are widely popular craft items brought home by travelers visiting northern Thailand.