Tunic

The Baju Panjang is an Islamic influenced tunic. It is waist length with a v-shaped opening for the head. For much of the 19th century, it was the standard women’s wear, not only for the Peranakan community but for most other local communities in the Straits Settlement and Dutch East Indies. As it is long and loose fitting, it was suitable in the hot, humid climate of the region as it allowed for ventilation. It was usually worn over a batik sarong. This baju is tailored from early European printed trade cotton of cream colour. The decorative motifs are large rose sprigs in shades of red with blue leaves, roller printed.