Magical Shirt
Shan States, Myanmar, Thailand, or Laos
Late 19th century (?) to early 20th century
Black ink on red dyed cotton cloth 
20 x 18 inches  51 x 46 cm

Magic spells, incantations, Mandala and other Buddhist iconography enliven this shirt which protected its owner.
The diversity of designs as well as the inventiveness of the artist make this a rare example.
For a reference please see: Tai Magic; Arts of the Supernatural in the Shan States and Lan Na,  Susan Conway, Bangkok, 2014