{"product_id":"antique-burmese-kalaga-tapestry-panel-gold-thread-embroidery","title":"Traditional Burmese Kalaga Shwe Chi Doe Gold Thread Embroidery","description":"\u003ch2\u003eAntique Burmese Kalaga Tapestry Panel, Pre-1970\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eFew textile traditions are as visually arresting as the Burmese Kalaga — known in Burmese as \u003cem\u003eShwe Chi Doe\u003c\/em\u003e, meaning \"gold thread embroidery.\" These padded tapestries were historically made for temples, royal courts, and ceremonial use, and their production centered around Mandalay, where workshops refined the technique over generations.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis 18\" × 18\" panel is a fine example of the form. The central medallion features a crowned celestial figure riding a caparisoned elephant — a classic subject drawn from Burmese court art and Buddhist-Hindu mythology, representing a \u003cem\u003edeva\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003enat\u003c\/em\u003e spirit, or royal personage. The figure is surrounded by swirling cloud and wave grounds, a hallmark of traditional Kalaga composition, and framed by a pearl-like beaded border.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe technique is extraordinary: heavy padding and stumpwork (trapunto) is built up beneath the fabric to create sculptural, raised relief, then covered in hand-couched metallic gold thread, sequins, and glass mirror beads, with details picked out in colored silk and cotton floss. The result is a piece that catches light from every angle.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe raw, unfinished muslin-backed edges indicate this is a loose panel — likely cut from a larger textile or sold unfinished, intended to be framed, mounted, or repurposed. This is a meaningfully different and more versatile piece than a finished, framed Kalaga.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eProduct Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eType: Kalaga (Shwe Chi Doe) padded tapestry panel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTechnique: Stumpwork\/trapunto padding, hand-couched gold metallic thread, sequins, glass mirror beads, silk \u0026amp; cotton floss\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMotif: Celestial figure on elephant, cloud\/wave ground, beaded border\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: 18\" × 18\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBacking: Raw unfinished muslin (unframed panel)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOrigin: Burma (Myanmar), Mandalay region\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAge: Pre-1970\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCare Instructions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eDust lightly. Do not wash. Handle with care to preserve the beadwork and metallic thread. Frame or mount behind glass for long-term display and protection.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePerfect For\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFraming as a statement piece of textile wall art\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMounting on a pillow or cushion cover\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCollectors of Burmese art, Southeast Asian textiles, or antique embroidery\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdding to a collection of Buddhist or court art-inspired pieces\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAs an antique handcrafted textile, this piece shows the natural character of age and hand workmanship. Minor variations in beadwork, thread, and padding are expected and part of its authenticity.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Artistic Artifacts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50117394465045,"sku":"16000101","price":99.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0791\/5054\/7221\/files\/IMG_6561_2.jpg?v=1787531125","url":"https:\/\/artisticartifacts.com\/products\/antique-burmese-kalaga-tapestry-panel-gold-thread-embroidery","provider":"Artistic Artifacts","version":"1.0","type":"link"}