Lao Arts and Culture
AsiaAlive Artist
Nithakhong Somsanith
Prince Nithakhong Somsanith is one of the last gold thread embroiderers in the ancient tradition of the court of Luang Prabang, former kingdom of Laos. This art and its techniques used to be passed on from one generation to the next, from mother to daughter of noble birth. Prince Somsanith started his apprenticeship at an early age from his grandmother, with whom he spent time during hot summer days. It was there that he was introduced to and helped with intricate and tedious embroidery tasks.
Highlights of the Program
Gold Leaf Stenciling for Architectural Decoration
This is one of the oldest techniques of applying traditional motifs onto temples and other buildings. This technique uses the negative imprints
of the motif pattern.
Gold leaf stenciling begins with pattern selection, drawing the motifs, cutting the images, placement, and then finally applying the gold leaf.
Materials include mulberry paper, gold leaf, lacquer, chisel, wooden mallet, and nails.
Lao Stencil Activity
Make your own stencil using the designs below from a Lao temple.
- Use an “Exacto” knife to cut out the dark areas of the design. Kids, ask for the help of an adult with the cutting part.
- Place the completed stencil on paper, wood, or fabric. Lightly tape or pin the stencil down prevent unwanted movement.
- Use paint, marker, or foil to color in the cut away areas.
- Remove the stencil and admire your artwork!
Seated Buddha Design (Adobe Acrobat PDF file)
Lion Design (Adobe Acrobat PDF file)
