Pattern/Motif Name: Nagasasra (Nagaraja?) Bledak
Design Format: Hip Wrapper (Kain Panjang) with undyed borders on the narrow ends only.
Provenance: Java, Surakarta
Technique: Hand-drawn wax resist on machine-woven cotton
Dyeing Methods: Natural Dyes
Dimension: 2.5m x 1.1m
Naga: it represents a snake or dragon, mythical animals that, according to both Javanese and Chinese symbolism, are related to rain and nourishing water, both metaphors for abudance. This addition was used specifically on dowry cloths to express wishes for prosperity and numerous offspring.
See: Groot, J.J.M. (1891). Religious system of China; The wedding garments of a Chinese woman; Williams, C.A.S. (1976). Outlines of Chinese symbolism and art motives. (New York: Dover).
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