Mid- to late 19th century

Appliqué Hanging (Kalaga)

Kalagas such as this one were used in Burma as room-dividing screens and decorative hangings. They depict both religious and secular subjects. Here the central couple-smoking cheroots under a large chandelier-and the other small figures display the stylish dress, stylized postures, and languid attitudes of the royal court at Mandalay. The heavily padded appliqué also includes large parrots, peacocks, and small green-faced figures dressed in court robes.