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.

Textile (kalaga), wool/cotton/metal/glass, Burma, 1900-1925.

One of a pair of cermonial figurative and narrative kalagas worked on a black velveteen ground with couched metallic thread, applique, sequins and beads. Panel divided into two sections, includes a pair of fighting elephants and worshipping figures.

85/313-2

490 mm

3720 mm