This sarong would have been worn by a Nonya (Peranakan woman) with a tunic (kebaya). The body (badan) of the sarong is decorated with large floral bouquets with diagonal lattices. Batik cloths of the Chinese and European communities are usually designed with wide elaborate central panel (kepala) and a field framed by narrow borders. Nonya style sarongs are known for their bright and gaily coloured designs. In the early 20th century, sarongs became increasingly popular compared to the skirtcloth (kain panjang) as the former could be worn more tightly.
