Antique Peacock Heddle Pulley, Burma/Myanmar (11297A-ZKE) $245
$245.00
H: 13” W: 3.75” D: 2.625” | FREE SHIPPING!
This heddle pulley, carved from Burmese teak wood (kyun), a durable, dense hardwood containing natural oil, is topped by a carved peacock. A graceful image and a frequent decorative motif in Burmese art, it has a sweeping tail extending to the top of his head with two combs on a long elegantly curved neck. Weathered over the years with minor losses, the skill of the carving is apparent, especially in the carving of the feathers on the wings. It has survived well and is in good condition with surface losses and discolorations from age and years of wear which adds to its charm. It has no repairs or restoration and pairs well with11297B-ZKE .
Description
Heddle pulleys were used in strip-weaving, a process using a small -loom to produce long, narrow strips of cloth sewn together to create a larger textile such as blankets and ritual cloths. A source of pride for the carver, these pieces were often decorated with carved figures or animals that symbolized auspicious beings which many scholars believe were thought to protect the weavers and assure their weavings were of good quality to please the gods and spirits. The peacock is frequently depicted in both the folk and religious Buddhist and Hindu art of Southeast Asia, especially in Burma where it is found on sacred objects as well as everyday items such as looms, metal opium weights, and woodcarvings. It is a Buddhist symbol that often adorns entrances of religious and government buildings and was the emblem of the Konbuang Dynasty (1752-1885), the last Burmese dynasty. It symbolizes wholeness, as it combines all colors when it spreads its tail, and also it recalls the short-lived nature of all sentient beings as its form appears and vanishes as swiftly as the peacock displays and furls its tail.
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) | H: 10.2” W: 2.125” D: 3.625” On stand H: 13” W: 3.75” D: 2.625” |
| Dimensions (metric) | H: 25.908cm W: 5.3975cm D: 9.2075cm On Stand: H: 33.02 W: 9.527cm D: 6.667cm |
| Weight | 1 lb 4 oz |
| Condition | Good, paint/surface losses consistent with age and use, no restorations/repairs |
| Item Number | 11297A-ZKE |
