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Gold Thread & Red Silk Shoulder Cloth (Selendang)
Minangkabau People, South Sumatra, Indonesia
19th century
length: 204cm; width: 74.5cm
This extremely fine songket comes from the Minangkabau-Malay people of South Sumatra. It comprises Chinese red silk brocaded with gold thread - an
extremely time consuming process. The quantity of the gold thread used has given this textile a heaviness. The brocade work of this example is particularly
fine. The central panel is filled with repeated flower motifs. Panels at either end have further flower motifs and geometric designs.
Although relatively large, the length-ways folds still visible in this cloth suggest that it was used as a ceremonial shoulder cloth (kain selendag songket).
Condition: very good and stable for a selendang of this age. There is some staining from use. Several some minor holes have been professionally stabilised
and repaired. Also, some loose threads here and there. Overall, no holes are now present in this textile.
References: Other similar songkets are illustrated in: Summerfield, A & J (eds), Walk in Splendor: Ceremonial Dress and the Minangkabau, The Fowler
Museum, 1999; and Maxwell, R., Sari to Sarong: Five Hundred Years of Indians and Indonesian Textile Exchange, NGA, 2003.
Inventory no.: 558
This Item is available - Ask about this item
Click here to see more Asian textiles and related items.
Gold Thread & Red Silk Shoulder Cloth (Selendang)
Minangkabau People, South Sumatra, Indonesia
19th century
length: 204cm; width: 74.5cm
This extremely fine songket comes from the Minangkabau-Malay people of South Sumatra. It comprises Chinese red silk brocaded with gold thread - an
extremely time consuming process. The quantity of the gold thread used has given this textile a heaviness. The brocade work of this example is particularly
fine. The central panel is filled with repeated flower motifs. Panels at either end have further flower motifs and geometric designs.
Although relatively large, the length-ways folds still visible in this cloth suggest that it was used as a ceremonial shoulder cloth (kain selendag songket).
Condition: very good and stable for a selendang of this age. There is some staining from use. Several some minor holes have been professionally stabilised
and repaired. Also, some loose threads here and there. Overall, no holes are now present in this textile.
References: Other similar songkets are illustrated in: Summerfield, A & J (eds), Walk in Splendor: Ceremonial Dress and the Minangkabau, The Fowler
Museum, 1999; and Maxwell, R., Sari to Sarong: Five Hundred Years of Indians and Indonesian Textile Exchange, NGA, 2003.
Inventory no.: 558
This Item is available - Ask about this item
Click here to see more Asian textiles and related items.
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