727. Antique Central Javanese Batik

Batik Breast Cloth (Kemben)

This breast cloth, worn by a Muslim woman, has a simple design with a central diamond cartouche (the tengahan) that has been left blank other than a lidah api or ‘tongues of flame’ edging. It is hand drawn and coloured using natural vegetable dyes.

The condition is good – there are a few age-related insect holes and some staining. The green background colour is even across the cloth – the difference in shade across the cloth is due to the photographer’s lighting.