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Batik
Prada
Lower body wrapper (kain pangjang)
Batik
Prada
Indonesian (Javanese)
Dutch colonial rule
late 19th to early 20th century
Medium/Technique
Cotton, natural dyes; plain weave, hand-drawn (tulis) wax-resist (batik), applied gold leaf (prada)
Dimensions
82 x 206 cm (32 5/16 x 81 1/8 in.)
Credit Line
Denman Waldo Ross Collection
Accession Number30.466
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAsia, Fashion and Textiles
ClassificationsCostumes
DescriptionMan's or woman's rectangular cotton batik lower body wrapper (kain panjang) with overall design of plant, animal and sea creature motifs (semen pattern) in dark blue and gold leaf on a natural ecru ground with small blue dots. There is a border with scrolling floral and imitation fringe motifs in dark blue and gold leaf. The gold leaf was possibly applied in Bali.
The semen design, which represents the rich symbolism of Javanese cosmology, is one of the "forbidden" patterns originally restricted to use by the aristocracy at court.
The semen design, which represents the rich symbolism of Javanese cosmology, is one of the "forbidden" patterns originally restricted to use by the aristocracy at court.
ProvenanceTransferred from Asiatic Dept. to Textiles.