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Peoples who have keen interest in Myanmar know that
it is not only rich in natural resources but also abound with traditional arts and
craft. As Yangon is famous for its pivotal role in
administrative, political and gate-way into Myanmar, Mandalay which is the second largest city and the Capital of the Myanmar kings of
Konbaung
Dynasty is well known for her superior arts and culture. Thus it is frequently referred to "Center of Myanmar
culture".
There are ten traditional Myanmar arts. They are pabe, the
art of blacksmith, panhtein, the art of gold and silver-smithy, padin, the art of bronze casting,
pantawt, the art of making floral
designs using masonry , payan, the art of bricklaying and masonry, pabu, the art of sculpture,
pantamaut, the art of
sculpting with stone, panpoot, the art of turning designs on the lathe , Bachi, the art of painting and
Panyun, the art of
making lacquerware.
Tapestry (Gold embroidery)
The art of tapestry or "Shwe Chi Hto" (gold
embroidery) as Myanmar call it is said to have originated in our country a thousand years ago. It is a form of needlework to create a variety of
pictures and patterns so delicate and detailed that it requires skill, artistry and patience.
It is a highly decorative embroidery that employs gold
thread as its name indicates. But in fact, silver and coloured threads as well as other materials such as tinsel, sequins,
semi-precious gems, colourful cut glass, seed pearls and various kinds of beads go into the making.
New skills and patterns in embroidery and in other arts
and craft were achieved from Manipur and Ayudhia at the inception of the third Myanmar Empire. Due to the
prosperous foreign trade, especially to the west, brought in an influx of new nationals. Moreover Satin and velvet from China,
sequins of all
shapes and sizes and tinsels fired the imagination of the creators of tapestry
and the embroidery become intricate more elaborate.
The centre of this craft was and still is Mandalay , the long- standing
hub of Myanmar culture and art.
The ancient ceremonial royal raiment known as "Mahalatta"
were worm from time immemorial by kings and queens is a very heavy gold
embroidered and gem encrusted robe. The Maha Latha worn by King Thibaw and Queen
Suphyalatt are on display at the National Museum in Yangon.
The national ethnic groups also favour gold embroidered garments and
headgear. The ceremonial
dress and headgear of the Mon, Rakhine ,Shan, Palaung, Kachin, Kayah,
Padaung, Akhar and many others are heavily embroidered in gold and silver thread and encrusted with
silver ornaments and beads. They are really gorgeous.
How to make Embroidery
To create an artistic piece of traditional Myanmar gold thread embroidery one needs a
piece of white cloth of suitable proportions that has to be stretched and
tightened on a square wooden frame. Then on the rigid and smooth surface the
figures or patterns desired are sketched
in outline with charcoal or pencil .In ancient times the basic
motifs were floral patterns, vines and
curlicues .The sketched outlines are then stitched over with gold, silver or
coloured thread. This is the edging or border of the central picture of
the embroidery. Then comes the ornaments that are sewed on such as silver
stars sequins ,cut glass, beads and seed pearls to bring the picture to life
.This part of the embroidery is called "ayoke cha gyin", which
literally means "laying down the figure". Then the stitches are
brushed over with glue on the underside to strengthen and prevent the threads
from breaking. It also makes it easier to cut out the figures separately. The
cut figures or pictures are then appliquéd on the piece of velvet or satin or
silk which will form the background of the embroidery. However an opening is
left through which cotton is later stuffed to make an embossed figure.
Then other adornments such as sequins, beads, seed pearls and semi
precious and even precious gems are added around the figure which is the
central theme of the embroidery , to form a backdrop. depending on the
main figure or theme this backdrop could be a palace or a pond, a forest glade
or a galaxy of stars or just patterns pleasing to the eye. Some of the more
elaborate tapestries bring to life tales from the jatakas, tales of valour and
historic events. Sometimes a colour painting or a patchwork or coloured
velvet is worked into the picture. Whatever it may be, it certainly requires
great skill and artistry. The gem studded embroidery has to also call upon the
work of gold and silver smiths. So a picturesque Myanmar tapestry is hardly the
work of a single craftsman but a cooperative
effort.
The sequins used in the embroidery for royal wear was made of genuine
gold or silver and the artisans who made them lived in their own colony known as
"Kyaikhat Win:, as their descendants still today. The ward where the gold
embroidery is famous for is still known as "Shwechi Hto", ward to this
day.
In creating gold embroidery, the size, colour, designs and patterns as well
as the materials to be used depend on the object it is intended for, and in the
days of the monarchy the place or person intended for.
Nowadays, Myanmar tapestry has become
an attraction for tourists from abroad and there is a wide
varieties of objects in gold embroidery. At present, there are
many eye-catching novelties, such as clutch purses, handbags,
cushion covers and even baseball caps.
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