1963

Enquiry about object: 1963

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    Indonesian Embroidered Jacket

    Kauer People, Lampung, South Sumatra, Indonesia
    circa 1900

    width: 134cm, length: 29cm

    Available - Enquire

    Provenance

    UK private collection

    – scroll down to see further images –

    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 front piece 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.

    Click here 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.

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