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Kalaga

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Close-up of an unfinished kalaga.

Kalaga(Burmese:ကန့်လန့်ကာ) is a heavilyembroideredappliquétapestrymade of silk, flannel, felt, wool and lace against a background made ofcottonorvelvetindigenous toBurma(Myanmar).[1]The wordkalaga,which means "curtain," comes from theBurmese language,although Burmese refer to such tapestries asshwe gyi do(ရွှေချည်ထိုး;lit.'gold thread embroidery').[2]These tapestries use a sewing technique calledshwe gyi(ရွှေချည်)[3]

This artform emerged during theKonbaung dynastyin the mid-19th century and reached its zenith during the reign ofMindon 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]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^abMukharji, 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.Retrieved6 October2013.
  3. ^Fraser-Lu, Sylvia (1994).Burmese Crafts: Past and Present.Oxford University Press. p. 265.ISBN9780195886085.
  4. ^Falconer, John; Luca Invernizzi (2000).Burmese Design and Architecture.Tuttle Publishing. pp. 194–195.ISBN9789625938820.
  5. ^Leslie, Catherine Amoroso (2007).Needlework Through History.Greenwood Publishing Group. p. 121.ISBN9780313335488.
  6. ^ab"More information about Burmese Kalagas".SiamTraders.2001.Retrieved6 October2013.