The origin of the Thai cushion

It is difficult to pinpoint the exact origin of the Thai cushion, but we know that it has existed in Thailand for centuries and first appeared in a region in northern Thailand known as the Lanna Kingdom, which means "the kingdom of a million rice fields" in Thai. This kingdom was founded in 1259 by King Mangrai the Great (1238–1317), a descendant of the Lao lineage. Its capital was first established in Chiang Rai in 1262 and later moved in 1296 to Chiang Mai, the new city.

THE THAI TRIANGLE CUSHION :

The Thai triangle cushion, made up of three foldable sections, evokes the image of the reclining Buddha on the verge of entering Nirvana (the ultimate goal of Buddhist practice, the end of existence). He lies on his right side, resting on his elbow, with his head supported by his right hand or resting on a cushion. The Thai triangle cushion reflects the posture and symbolism of the reclining Buddha.

THE MODERN THAI CUSHION :

The Thai cushion is an integral part of Thai culture. It is used for meditation, massage, yoga, and also as a backrest on a bed or sofa, on the floor as a seat around a low table for eating, for relaxation, and even as a spare bed for sleeping.

Today, it can be found in everyday life as a decorative object in refined and zen-like interiors, especially in Thai hotels, restaurants, bars, and guesthouses.

Over the years, the Thai cushion has been refined and now comes in various forms. The triangular Thai cushion is the most popular in Thailand, offering the advantage of supporting both the head and back.

The flat Thai cushion is often given to young novice monks entering the monastery. The rectangular Thai cushion serves as both a support pillow and a meditation cushion.

And not to forget the rollable Thai mattress, essential for massage practice, and commonly found in many Thai massage salons.

STEPS IN MAKING A THAI CUSHION :

The Thai cushion is made entirely by hand using traditional craftsmanship. First, the artisan creates the cushion cover using 100% cotton traditional Thai fabric. Inside the cover, compartments are formed with fabric dividers to create multiple tubes that will each be individually filled. Once the cover is made, the artisan proceeds to fill each tube with kapok (see section “Kapok”) using a wooden tool that allows the kapok to be fully packed and compressed inside the tube.

After all the tubes have been filled, the artisan seals them with a strip of fabric that is securely sewn to the cover. All fabric edges are hand-assembled using double-stitched seams to ensure the Thai cushion remains durable for years to come.

KAPOK :

Kapok is a 100% natural plant fiber that is untreated and pesticide-free. It comes from the tropical kapok tree Ceiba pentandra, which grows in Thailand, as well as in Indonesia, India, South America, Africa, and the French Caribbean. The fiber, light and soft like cotton, offers many beneficial properties. It is waterproof and thermoregulating, helping to naturally maintain body temperature by protecting against both cold and perspiration.

Kapok is also hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant, making it an excellent and health-conscious choice for stuffing Thai cushions.

MAINTENANCE OF THE THAI CUSHION :

The kapok inside the cushion is self-cleaning and requires no special maintenance. Simply dust it with a soft brush once a month, and in case of stains, clean it with a slightly damp cloth. If the cushion gets wet, allow it to dry before use. Feel free to expose it to the sun, as the kapok inside will naturally regain its volume to return to its original density.

THE THAI CUSHIONS IN OUR SHOP :

The cushions in our shop are exclusively filled with genuine natural, untreated, durable kapok, without pesticides or any chemicals in the manufacturing process. All of our Thai mattresses and cushions sold in our shop contain no artificial fibers and are 100% eco-friendly. Free from allergens, they are especially suitable for people with allergies and sensitive skin. Our primary requirement is for them to have a firm seat while still being pleasant to the touch.

Above all, all our cushions provide unmatched and lasting comfort…

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Text translated from French to English using ChatGPT.