Pesisir Batik (Lasem, Kudus, Surakarta)

Indonesia, Java, Lasem, Kudus and Surakarta
Woman’s Hip Wrapper (Sarung Tiga Negeri), circa 1900-circa 1910
Textile, Hand-drawn wax resist (batik) on machine-woven cotton, natural dyes, 41 1/2 x 78 in. (105.41 x 198.12 cm)
Inger McCabe Elliott Collection (M.91.184.85)

The semen motif, originally restricted to members of Surakarta court, was adapted for wear by outsiders. A clotch such as this, intended for an alluent, middle-aged Peranakan client, would have indicated she was part of a family network with branches across Java. The elaborate and most expensive of style would have engendered pride of ownership on later hands.