The kebaya is a long sleeved blouse reaching to about waist-length. It has a v-shaped neckline and an open front, which is secured by three ‘kerosangs’ or brooches connected by short chains. A kebaya could be made from voile, which is a type of fine cotton fabric originating from France or Switzerland. This white piece consists of cutwork embroidery in the form of chicken wire mesh patterns on the front collar, cuffs and the ‘lapik’, which is the two triangular front panels of the kebaya that cover the lap. The decorative motifs include large flower blossoms of possibly chrysanthemums. The kebaya came into prominence in the early 20th century, when it slowly replaced the knee length ‘baju panjang’. It is usually worn with an inner camisole and paired with the sarong, which is a rectangular piece of dyed cotton cloth worn as a skirt by wrapping it around the waist. As white is considered a mourning colour in the Chinese tradition, this piece is suitable for wearing to funerals.
