Reaching out project
Inle Lake, Burma
Explore it.
Our purpose was to explore the raw materials and resources between people and their surroundings. Also to learn about the techniques in the traditional handicrafts, the production process as well as the knowledge.
Transform it.
Nature materials and resources between people and its surroundings. A unique fabric from the lotus plant fibers is produced only at Inle Lake and is used for weaving special robes for Buddha.
Know it
The Burmese believe lotus robes have the power to calm the mind and aid in meditation. “No mud, no lotus”
Believe
The Sprit from Nature in work
Inspired us to observe the possibilities of making
Local raw materials and resources
Develop the raw materials into living tools, instruments, functional objects or life and art.
A unique fabric from the lotus plant fibers is produced only at Inle lake and is used for weaving special robes for Buddha. Since the ancient time in Asian cultures, the lotus is a fitting metaphor for the Buddha’s teachings. The lotus rooted in mud, grows upwards through murky waters (suffering) and its pristine flower blooms high above the water’s surface (purity, enlightenment).
Traditional handicrafts and materials.
Burmese used lotus leaf stems to extract the fine white fibers. Each fibers are then drawn and rolled into a single thread.
Production process
The threads are placed on the bamboo spinning frame transferring onto winders for the warping process.
Natural dyes are used to color the threads, a small neck scarf requires about 4,000 lotus stems.
A large scarf requires about 40,000 stems, and a full set of monk’s robes (30 meters) requires about 220,000 lotus stems and 60 weavers to complete over a 10-day period.
Knowledge - Enjoy the sprit when exercises the process of mind and soul with the wheel.
Weavers have been working on the traditional handicrafts for more than half century.
Usually they work for 4 hours per day, and take care of the family, cooking, washing and playing with grandson.
They grow and eat the organic plants which need time to mature.
People enjoy the life when they trust the spirit of the mind and soul.