58" x 48" Vintage Cloth, Beads, Gilt Threads Burmese 'Kalaga' – 23 Vedic Figures - $595 - (Grass Valley, CA)
58" x 48" Vintage Cloth, Beads, Sequins, Gilt Thread Burmese Kalaga – 23 Buddhist Figures Purchased by seller at an art gallery in Santa Cruz CA in 1990 from dealer. Revived spiritually inspired handmade intricate 3-dimensional artwork. Dimensions: 58” x 48” This Kalaga is picked within reason of seller's location in California. Shipped rolled on a cardboard tube unmounted and layered with paper would require remounting and stretching on frame as in picture. Excellent vibrant colors, very few missing beads. Exquisitely crafted 3D figures of are handmade within a heavily embroidered appliqué tapestry made of silk, flannel, felt, wool and lace against a background made of black cotton or velvet indigenous to Burma (Myanmar). A tradition– kalaga, signifies "curtain," in Burmese. This art form revival is decades old, but emerged during the mid-19th century reaching a zenith 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 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. 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. (Available for pickup by buyer) Shipped with protective soft paper layer via economy USPS by request.
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From ebay.com - 1 month ago