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Chiang Mai is, quite simply, Thailand's major
center for quality handicrafts. The visitor need merely
visit the nearest city emporium or night market to
purchase handicrafts. A major advantage of shopping
in Chiang Mai is that the visitor may watch artisans
working within the city and in several outlying villages,
particularly along the Bo Sang-San Kamphaeng road
where, in genuine cottage industries, parasols, silk
and cotton weaving, jewellery, woodcarving, silverware,
celadon, and lacquerware are manufactured, and number
among popular purchases.
Umbrellas-Parasols - These are inextricably
associated with Bo Sang where villagers have been
engaged in their manufacture for at least 200 years.
All materials, silk, cottons, sa paper (manufactured
from the bark of the mulberry tree) and bamboo are
produced or found locally. Visitors to Bo Sang will
see literally hundreds of design and sizes ranging
from the miniature to the gigantic.
Furniture/Woodcarving - Chiang Mai is a major
center of furniture making. Major woods and materials
include teak, rosewood and rattan. Items may be unadorned
or, especially with teak and rose wood, artfully carved
in traditional or modern designs. Woodcarving is a
traditional northern Thai art featured in numerous
temples. In recent years, wood carving has increasingly
embellished furniture, gracing screens, chairs, tables
beds, indeed anything bearing a wooden surface large
enough to be carved. Carved elephants, figurines and
tableware number among other popular purchases.
Silverware - The finest Thai silverware is
exquisite, and is made in Chiang Mai, where certain
families have practiced their art for several generations.
Traditional skills and a guaranteed content of at
least 92.5% pure silver invest bowls, receptacles
and decorative items with authentic value. Silver
shops are concentrated on Wua lai Road, where silverware
artisans and their families live.
Cottons & Silks - First-class Chiang Mai
cottons and silks are of incomparable quality. Cottons
and silkshave innumerable fashion and furnishing applications.
The largest possible selection is available in San
Kamphang.
Gold Plated Orchids & Butterflies - Orchids
and butterflies are preserved and plated with 24-carat
gold to create unusual gift items such as necklace
pendants, hairpins and earrings.
Lacquerware - Striking black and gold designs
give lacquerware its visual appeal and sheen. This
decorative are enhances items made of wood, bamboo,
metal, paper and baked clay, in the form of receptacles,
ornaments and various souvenirs.
Hilltribe Products - These include silver
ornaments, such as bracelets, necklace, pendants and
pipes of intricate design, and embroidered items including
tunics, jackets, bags, purses, caps and dress lengths.
Pottery - Chiang Mai is the major center of
Thailand's pottery industry. Prized items include
high-fired celadon which is produced in many forms,
including dinner sets, lamp bases and decorative items.
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