Antique Peacock Heddle Pulley, Burma/Myanmar (11297B-ZKE)
$245.00
H: 14. W: 2.675” D: 3.5” | FREE SHIPPING!
This teak heddle pulley is surmounted by a graceful carved peacock with a sweeping tail extending to the top of his head with two combs on a long elegantly curved neck which provides a curved surface to assure even flow of the string in the weaving process. Finely carved surface textures differentiate the feathers of his body on the neck, wings and chest. His rounded claws rest on heart-shaped pieces of wood with holes to support the thin wood dowel that holds the moving thimble and gives the piece a less functional and more artistic feel. The entire piece has been wonderfully weathered with minor losses, and a fine patina covers what originally was a painted surface. It is in very good condition for a piece well-used for over a century and it comes with a wood and metal stand.
Description
Burmese carvings are known for their fine craftsmanship, masterfully decorated agricultural tools, and household items including elaborately carved heddle pulleys on looms that blending functional and artistic pursuits. Heddle pulleys are used on strip-weaving handlooms in a process that uses very small looms to produce long, narrow strips of cloth which are later sewn together to create a larger textile, such as blankets and ritual cloths. Heddle pulleys are usually decorated with carvings of figures or animals, often symbolizing some auspicious beings to assure good quality from the weaver. This pulley, carved from Burmese teak wood (kyun), a durable, dense hardwood that was treated with oil, is surmounted by a carved peacock, a frequent Burmese decorative motif. Although Burma is a decidedly Buddhist country, its past was steeped in animism and shamanism that included the belief that inanimate objects, places, and creatures all possess a distinct spiritual essence that may influence human life and, therefore, deserve worship or at least placation to bring positive energy and repel malevolent spirits at bay. There are many contemporary heddle pulley carvings but genuine antique folk art carvings have become increasingly rare. Mounted on a black wood base, this carving pairs well with item 11297A-ZKE.
Click here for the blog Burmese Heddle Pulleys: Functional and Aesthetic Weaving Tools
Additional information
| Place of Origin | Burma/Myanmar |
|---|---|
| Period | Antique (1200-1920) |
| Date | Late 19th/Early 20th Century |
| Materials and Technique | Wood |
| Dimensions (inches) | Ht: 10.5” W: 2.125” D: 3. 5” On Base Ht:14” W: 2.675” D: 3.5” |
| Dimensions (metric) | Ht: 26.67 cm W: 5.40 cm D:8.89cm On Base Ht: 35.56cm W: 6.79cm D: 8.89cm |
| Weight | 15oz |
| Condition | Very good, patina and wear consistent with age and use |
| Reference Number | 11277A-ZKE |
| Shipping Box Size |
