This is a fine example of a Burmese pictorial textile hanging known as a<i>kalaga</i>. The owner would have used it either as a decorative wall hanging, a room partition, or as a screen hung outside the house on festive occasions. This one is made of red and green brocade silk with additional coloured silk and gold applique and sequins. It illustrates episodes from the Ramayana. This Indian epic, with its story of the conflict between the forces of the god Rama and the demon king of Lanka, Ravana, was a great favourite at the court of the Burmese Konbaung dynasty (1752-1885). The <i>kalaga</i> was acquired by the Museum in 1855, and all the characters are elegantly dressed in the court style of the first half of the 19th century.
Britain's control of Burma extended as the 19th century progressed, and the country was annexed in 1885. The extravagant style of <i>kalagas</i> appealed to Burmese and Europeans alike and their popularity soared in the mid 19th century.