2024 Edition, released August 10 - 106 pages, over 150 color photographs
Phnom Penh Post, March 28, 2024: “Cornelia Bagg Srey is recognized for her extensive work in preserving Cambodian cultural heritage, particularly through her writing and research... As an author, her notable contributions include A Pocket Guide to Cambodian Silk and Through the Eyes of a Queen - the Women of the Royal Court at Angkor, which shed light on the historical and cultural significance of Khmer silk weaving traditions. Srey aims to sustain the legacy of chorabab brocade, ensuring that the ancient art form remains a living, breathing part of Cambodia’s cultural tapestry.…”
https://www.phnompenhpost.com/post-in-depth/traditional-threads-reviving-the-chorabab
Most “Cambodian silk” sold today is not silk, not made in Cambodia, not hand woven, and not even natural fiber. This book will show you what it is, where to find it, and how to select it. Even how to get to weaving villages.
And in response to requests from collectors and museums, the author has included her latest research. Cambodian ikat’s evolution from patola, and brocade’s evolution from the silk of the Angkorian queens.
A Pocket Guide to Cambodian Silk is not available in Cambodia - buy it before you leave and take it with you. See the Contacts tab of this website for more information on what the book covers, and what it doesn’t.
"This guide is essential for all textile enthusiasts visiting Cambodia. Take it, read it, follow it. Having studied SE Asian fabrics and traveled there over 30 times I found this book invaluable. Cornelia Srey presents us with a comprehensive, detailed and insightful travel log and compass that will save you time and trouble finding the best weaving villages, markets and hand-weaving cooperatives... You'll learn about why these fabrics are worth reviving, and experience for yourself why it matters whether or not the Khmer textile heritage vanishes. A Pocket Guide to Cambodian Silk presents us with a vision for the preservation and continuance of a glorious weaving and dyeing tradition that deserves our support." - Susan McCauley, Mekong River Textiles
“Since I came across Cornelia's book by chance in a bookshop in Siem Reap a few years ago, it has been my travelling companion when I immerse myself in the textile world of Cambodia and its extraordinarily beautiful (silk-) weavings. This textile travel guide is now in its 2024 edition. Even more detailed, it is a wonderful guide for travellers who want to delve deeper into the world of Khmer textiles. Both the historical background to clothing in the times of Khmer Empire and practical tips on where exactly in markets and shops you can find these incomparably beautiful ikat and brocade weavings today.
An absolute recommendation.” - Klaus Rink, textile collector