Antique Burmese Kalaga Tapestry Elephant beaded sequins Good cd shadow box frame

Description: This Hand embroidered and beaded Kalaga Tapestry featuring an elephant is antique Burmese from the early 1900's. It was mounted and shadow box framed behind glass. Provenance from 1993 is written on the back. The framed piece measures about 14" square. Kalaga (Burmese) is a heavily embroidered appliqué tapestry made of silk, flannel, felt, wool and lace against a background made of cotton or velvet indigenous to Burma (Myanmar).The word kalaga, which means "curtain," comes from the Burmese language, although Burmese refer to such tapestries as shwe gyi do; lit. "gold thread embroidery").[2] These tapestries use a sewing technique called shwe gyi This art form emerged during the Konbaung dynasty in the mid-19th century and reached its zenith during the reign of Mindon Min, when velvet became fashionable at the royal court.[4] In a typical tapestry, padded figures are cut from various types of cloth and sewn onto a background, usually red or black cloth to form an elaborate scene, traditionally from Burmese classical plays (e.g. Ramayana, Jataka).[1][5][6] The figures are sewn using a combination of metallic and plain threads and adorned with sequins, beads and glass stones.[6]References. 1. a b Mukharji, T. N. (1888). Art-manufactures of India. Superintendent of Government Printing, India. pp. 387–388. 2."Journal of Burma Studies - Volume 16.1". Northern Illinois University. Retrieved 6 October 2013. 3. Fraser-Lu, Sylvia (1994). Burmese Crafts: Past and Present. Oxford University Press. p. 265. ISBN 9780195886085. 4. Falconer, John; Luca Invernizzi (2000). Burmese Design and Architecture. Tuttle Publishing. pp. 194–195. ISBN 9789625938820. 5. Leslie, Catherine Amoroso (2007). Needlework Through History. Greenwood Publishing Group. p. 121. ISBN 9780313335488. 6. Jump up to:a b "More information about Burmese Kalagas". SiamTraders.com. 2001. Retrieved 6 October 2013.(Source: Wikipedia) "Kalaga" is the traditional name for embroidered tapestries from Myanmar (Burma). This style comes from the Mandalay region and the tradition goes back more than a century. They are generally made from linen, silk, velvet and cotton adorned with plain and metallic threads, metal sequins, beads and glass "stones." Kalagas commonly depict stories from the Jataka (Buddha's journey towards enlightenment) and the Ramayana (Hindu epic Journey of King Rama) as well as historical scenes, lucky animals and signs of the zodiac. Like the decorations you might see in an ornate Burmese temple, Kalagas are awash in colorful and shiny details. Most Kalagas are best hung in a frame but not under glass so that the detail and texture can be fully appreciated. They can also be hung as-is without a frame. (Source: Siam TradersI use standard industry quality descriptions for vintage and antique items but if you have questions please just ask. Most of my items come out of estates on Martha's Vineyard and New England. The island of Martha's Vineyard where I have lived on and off for the past 30 years is home to many old original families of sea captains and sailors so fascinating things come up when there are estate sales. Please check my other listings. I try to do a lot of research and give good descriptions but I am not an expert in everything so please ask questions or if you know something about a piece and are willing to add your input into my listings please contact me! I am happy to combine shipping on multiple items if possible. I will ship internationally but please contact me for the shipping cost before bidding. Paypal payment required within 3 days of auction close. 6.25% sales tax on bidders from Massachusettes. Please check my other new listings over the next couple of days. Returns are welcome if item is not as described, refund for item cost only. I take very detailed photos and give good descriptions. Please see all pics and enlarge to see details. Ask me any questions before bidding. If an item is returned that was listed with free shipping the refund will be minus the actual shipping costs.

Price: 160 USD

Location: Easthampton, Massachusetts

End Time: 2025-02-09T13:21:53.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD