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Hand painted tapestry from Burma - $350 (Green valley)
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History & Origin
• Cultural Roots: The art form originated in the mid-19th century during the Konbaung Dynasty (the last dynasty of Myanmar). It reached its height in the royal court of Mandalay.
• Purpose: Originally, Kalagas were used as palace decorations, room partitions, temple hangings, or coffin covers for high-ranking monks.
• The Scenes: Your piece features three distinct panels:
◦ The Elephant Rider: Likely depicts a royal figure or a scene from the Ramayana or Jataka tales (stories of the Buddha's past lives).
◦ The Mythical Bird (Hinsa/Hamsa): The central-top figure in one panel is a mythological swan-like creature, a common symbol of purity and wisdom in Burmese culture.
◦ The Chariot: Shows a celestial being or deity being pulled by horses, often representing a transition between realms or a royal procession.
Technique & Materials
This is a labor-intensive craft. The figures are hand-stitched onto a background (usually velvet or linen) using:
• Metallic Threads: For the intricate swirling patterns.
• Sequins & Beads: Used to provide the "shimmering" effect that earns them the name "golden tapestries."
• Glass "Stones": Small glass or mirror inserts (as seen in the borders) to catch the light.
From AI:
Observation on Your Piece: Based on the style and the use of the green linen header for hanging, this appears to be a vintage mid-20th-century piece (likely 1950s–1980s). It is in good visual condition. For a valance of this size and detail, a fair market value would typically range between $350 and $650, depending on the buyer and the venue (e.g., an estate auction vs. a specialized gallery).
Text for a showing. Thank you.