1940's
Purchased in Myanmar
With frame: 116cm high x 177cm wide
110cm high x 174cm wide
Condition: Some beads and sequins lost, but this does not impact the dazzling effect of the piece
Additional Information: A Kalaga 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 means "curtain' in Burmese.
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.