Kalagas are elaborately and heavily embroidered cloths made in Burma, and occasionally in Thailand, for use as wall hangings, curtains, room dividers, coffin coverings and theatre backdrops. Originally developed at the royal court in Mandalay in the mid 19th century, using techniques known in Burma for several centuries, kalagas were soon popular throughout all levels of Burmese society.

Most kalagas are still made in family workshops in the old capital of Mandalay. The main figures or forms are typically of padded applique, heavily embellished with sequins, beads and braid. Pieces of cloth are cut to the shape of individual figures, decorated with sequins, then attached to the base cloth and stuffed with kapok or cotton. Final details and embellishments are added to the figures and, lastly, the background areas are filled with additional sequins, braids and beading.

These kalagas were made in Burma.

Decorative hangings like this, typically with narratives illustrated in narrow bands, were used in Buddhist Burma as furnishings, for ceremonial display, and as gift offerings to local monasteries in order to gain merit. The Jataka tales, about the eathly life of the Buddha Shakyamuni, are common subject matter for kalagas, whose lively illustrations portray many aspects of Burmese everyday and court culture.

These kalagas were made 1900-1925.

Textiles (kalagas) (2), wool/cotton/metal/glass, Burma, 1900-1925.

A pair of cermonial figurative and narrative kalagas both worked on a black velveteen ground with couched metallic thread, applique, sequins and beads. Both kalagas are handworked and fully lined with natural coloured cotton that has been dyed where colour has run from the appliqued side.

Kalaga: the narrative is divided into three sections, each separated by trees. The panel shows five kneeling figures holding musical instruments, a building with a figure carrying a basket on it's head, a cart being pulled by two oxen, and a temple or palace with figures standing around. The trees, figures and buildings are of applique wool and cotton and the figures and buildings are further decorated with metal sequins, couched metallic thread and amber coloured glass discs.

Kalaga: the narrative is divided into two sections by a fabric fence. The first panel shows worshipping figures at a temple, six of them are holding swords. The second panel shows figures carrying sticks, two elephants with their tusks locked in combat and dancing figures. The trees, figures and buildings are of applique wool and cotton and the figures and buildings are further decorated with metal sequins, couched metallic thread and amber coloured glass discs.

Made: Burma; 1900 - 1925

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1900 - 1925