Woven Silk Panel from Laos - We're not exactly sure what this lovely silk panel was intended for: similar to door curtains we've had in cotton, this one is unusual in that it is all silk. a rich background of red, colored with stick lac, features two repeats of two-headed mythical beasts with heads similar to 'phii nyak', and pregnant with 'ngueaks'/Lao river serpents. 'Phii nyak' is a known protective figure and often is featured on door curtains and wraps. The upper part has mythical beasts with ancestor figures on their backs in three lines, including one pattern repeat. The colors are striking: soft cream, soft olive green, purple, and orange on dark brick red. Condition is very good for an old piece.