U Thong: Identity to Cultural Patterns for Contemporary Textiles

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to design and create textile patterns using innovative contemporary art processes and to investigate the satisfaction of the general public with contemporary textile patterns from the U Thong cultural identity. The research methodology was to study the data and design textile patterns based on three sets of U Thong identities: art, culture, and wisdom, totaling 45 patterns. Textile patterns were created using innovative drawing, watercolor painting, and dripping and dabbing with poster paint, then embellished with the Sketch Book application (Autodesk Sketch Book. 15 patterns were chosen to be prototypes of the U Thong identity, and 3 prototype patterns, namely the U- Thong Chedi identity, the U Thong bead necklace identity and the Phuang Mahot identity, were printed on fabric by using digital printing techniques. A satisfaction questionnaire was distributed to 100 respondents of the general public to assess their level of satisfaction with the prototype pattern. Averages, percentages, and statistics were used to analyze the data. The data analysis found that the majority of respondents were female, aged 31-40, employed by state enterprises, and had a monthly income of 30,001 baht or higher.  The respondents were most satisfied with the U Thong bead necklace pattern, giving it an average rating of 4.67. They were most satisfied with the Dhamma Chakra U Thong pattern, giving it an average rating of 4.68. Moreover, they were most satisfied with the Phuang Mahot pattern, giving it an average rating of 4.76. These patterns, with their contemporary designs, can represent U Thong's identity.