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).
Artist not recorded
Artist not recorded
c. 1885
1970's
ca 1984
Artist not recorded
Artist not recorded
ca. 1935