TI 019

Notes from our mother suggest this is a Djogja area breast cloth batik, which an expert advised us is called a 'kemben'. According to the Art Institute Chicago, the plain diamond in the center was worn only by married women, and this long narrow style of cloth was largely only worn for ceremonies in the courts of central Java. (Click here for reference.)
 
The Saint Louis Art Museum also has an interesting description of a similar piece. (Click here.)
 
We believe this piece was collected by the Burr sisters in Indonesia in the 1920s or 1930s.
 
Unfortunately, there is a water stain in the center, not very visible in sunlight but very visible in other light. We have not washed it to see if the stain will come out. In the middle is a glass mark, probably from the vase that leaked. Photos also show one hole and natural imperfections. An expert told us a conservator could probably repair the damage.
 
Note: The blue color is more muted than shown in photos. 
 
Material believed to be cotton, plain weave; hand-drawn wax resist dyed (batik tulis).
W 20.5” x L 101"
5.9 oz
 
Disclaimer:
 
We have tried to make sure colors shown in photos are representative of the real colors of each textile item but your settings may distort colors.
 
We have tried to identify all imperfections in descriptions but we may have missed some.
 
Several of our textiles may smell a bit musty and/or of mothballs. Most have been in storage for decades. We have not made the effort to wash them ourselves. We encourage you to do so upon receipt.
 
If you are unhappy with your purchase, let us know.