DepartmentTextiles-Asia

Acheik Htamein / Byant Htamein / Ceremonial Wrap Skirt

NameSkirt / Woman’s hip wrapper

Artist Artist not recorded

CultureBamar

Datelate 19th / early 20th century

Place madeMyanmar/Burma, Asia

MediumSilk, silver thread, cotton

Dimensions48 × 53 in. (121.9202 × 134.6203 cm)

Credit LineGift of Earl & Shari Kessler

Object numberA.2024.11.8

Provenancepurchased from dealers, public markets, and artists while living in Asia primarily in the 1990s

DescriptionThe skirt has a black cotton waistband and a striped silk train. The main panel is tapestry-woven silk using the celebrated luntaya-acheik technique. This double-interlocking tapestry technique is particularly labor intensive, requiring at least two weavers to operate the 50-200 individual shuttles necessary for creating the intricate floral and wave patterns. This type of textile was developed by specialized weavers in Amarapura, the former capital city, and was subject to sumptuary laws excluding its use to the nobility through the 18th and 19th centuries. Amarapura (now part of the city of Mandalay) remains a major weaving center today. Acheik pattern tapestry also remains popular, now made across a broad spectrum of quality.

This skirt utilizes two shades of pale pink, cream, yellow, celadon green, a little black and silver-wrapped threads. Lined in plain cotton, likely added later for stability (CHertz 2024).