Grand vintage Thai Burmese-style Kalaga tapestry, (215 x 136 cm), (53″ × 85″). From Chiang Mai area of northern Thailand c 1980s. Made by Thai hill-tribe craftspeople working in the traditional Burmese kalaga technique. The piece is densely worked with metallic threads, sequins, and glass beads on a fabric ground, producing the characteristic raised, glittering surface. The dense embroidered artwork covers 100% of the tapestry face with no exposed black fabric except for a small border.
The composition is panoramic. A wide central field shows a continuous narrative scene containing figures, elephants, architectural elements, and cloud forms. This is enclosed by multiple borders of scrolling motifs and a series of smaller framed panels, each containing groups of elephants. The overall palette is dominated by gold and silver tones with accents of turquoise and muted red.
The tapestry is intended for wall display and is shown hanging. This tapestry is exceptional in size and ornament density. Its combination of narrative and decorative elephant imagery are typical of the larger ceremonial and decorative kalagas produced in this region.
