The Sarong is a length of cloth that is sewn together at the ends to form a tube. The wearer then steps into the tube and by folding the excess cloth over itself, tightened the tube into a skirt. Sarongs were commonly made from batik textiles, where plain woven fabric is decorated using molten wax applied or drawn onto the cloth. After successive applications of wax and dye, intricate patterns and designs can be created. This piece is decorated with motifs of peacocks and cranes amidst lotus flowers. Peacocks represents elegance, beauty and dignity, as well as wealth and power. The crane symbolises status and longevity. It is the second most important bird in Chinese legend after the phoenix. Cranes and lotus flowers represented together show a wish for peace and harmony.
