On May 19, 2011, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Tilleke & Gibbins Textile Collection (TGTC), Dr. Linda S. McIntosh will briefly describe the history of shwe chi doe and changes in the manufacture and style of these couched and embroidered textiles. She will also talk about the steps of creating a shwe chi doe. The afternoon will end with a discussion and viewing of The TGTC’s hanging, which was made in 1908.

The Tilleke & Gibbins Textile Collection purchased a Burmese Shwe Chi Doe ceremonial hanging, commonly known as Kalaga, in 2010. Examples made prior to Burma’s independence from the British Raj are rarely available in the market although some outstanding ones are housed in major museum collections. Large examples have been documented in archival photographs as the backdrop to official ceremonies and meetings of both Burmese and Shan leaders during the time of the Raj. Laypeople also commissioned the textiles to offer to temples.

For more information and RSVP, contact:
Dr. Linda S. McIntosh
[email protected]