Antique Burmese Kalaga Tapestry Horse beaded Sequined Pillow

Description

Antique Burmese Kalaga Tapestry Horse beaded Sequined Pillow.
Missing a few beads but in excellent condition.
23 x 23”
This Hand embroidered and beaded Kalaga Tapestry featuring a Warrior riding an elephant is antique Burmese from the late 1800's to early 1900's. It is unmounted. There are a few beads missing in the edge trim shown in photos and sequin damage to a small section of the bottom left foot of the elephant on the left. Please see all photos for full description and ask for more photos if needed. This piece measures 24" by 24". It is in original antique as in found Estate condition, I have not cleaned it at all. Gorgeous piece of hand work! I think the best way to ship this is flat but I can also roll it with cotton batting to protect the beads and put in a tube but if you have another suggestion please let me know.
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").
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.
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).
The figures are sewn using a combination of metallic and plain threads and adorned with sequins, beads and glass stones.
"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.
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