kalaga.  Condition: Very good for age, with a few missing beads, and bronze sequins all graded.

  Where item was made or found: Smith Estate, Howell, Michigan

  Basic information about the following Calaga:

  Kalaga (Burmese) is

  A densely embroidered fabric made of silk, flannel, felt, wool and lace on a background made of cotton or velvet, native to Burma (Myanmar).  1] The word kalaga, meaning "curtain", comes from the Burmese language, although the Burmese refer to these furnishings as shwe gyi;  lit.  "Gold Thread Embroidery").

  This art form emerged during the Konbung Dynasty in the mid-19th century and reached its peak during the Mendon Min era, when velvet became popular at the royal court.

  In a typical fabric, the stuffed figures are cut from different types of fabric and sewn against a background, usually red or black cloth to form an elaborate scene, traditionally from Burmese classical plays (eg Ramayana, Jataka).  [1] [5] [6]

  The figures are woven using a mixture of metallic and plain threads and embellished with sequins, beads and glass stones.  [6]