Title
Sarong
Year/Period
1930s - 1960s
Region
Java
Material
Dimension
Image size: 104.5 x 102 cm
Accession No.
2007-00201
Collection of
Credit Line
Gift of Anne Soh Gwek Shin
This sarong would have been worn by a Nonya (Peranakan woman) with a tunic (kebaya). It features diagonal stripes and floral motifs in the central panel (kepala) while the rest of the body (badan) is decorated with bird and floral motifs. The design structure of a wide elaborate kepala and field framed by narrow borders was the hallmark of batik cloths of the Chinese and European communities. 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.
