Inventory no.: 1963

Lampung Jacket

SOLD

Embroidered Jacket

Kauer People, Lampung, South Sumatra, Indonesia

circa 1900

width: 134cm,

length: 29cm

Short jackets such as this example were worn by young, unmarried Kauer women together with a sarong. They are constructed from a rectangular piece of woven cotton cloth coloured with natural dyes. The frontpiece comprises separately embroidered panels with small mirror (mica) applique sequins called cermuk.

The back panel is of black cotton woven with gold and silver thread.

The many cowrie or

nassa shells about the neck and collar and stitched to the back most probably are designed to express the hope that the wearer will have many children.

to see an example in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The example here is in very good condition. It is free of repairs, insect holes and tears.

References

Brinkgreve, F,. & R. Sulistianingsih (eds),

Sumatra: Crossroads of Cultures, KITLV Press, 2009.

Gillow, J.,

Traditional Indonesian Textiles, Thames & Hudson, 1995.

Maxwell, R.,

Sari to Sarong: Five Hundred Years of Indians and Indonesian Textile Exchange, NGA, 2003.

Vanderstraete, A.,

Magie van de Vrouw: Weefsels en Sieraden uit de Gordel van Smaragd (The Magic of Women), Wereldmuseum, 2012.

Provenance

UK private collection

Inventory no.: 1963

SOLD