About this artwork
The crowned, serpent-like dragon repeated across the design of this cloth is the nāga—a supernatural symbol or deity that features in many South and Southeast Asian religious traditions. In Java, nāga is an underworld goddess associated with fertility and water. Men or women might wear this type of patterned skirt cloth for ceremonies at the kraton (palace), especially for festivals that honor her.
Surakarta is a historic royal capital (also known as Solo for its location next to the river of the same name) and a major center for batik, a wax-resist dye technique that originated in Java.
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Status
- Currently Off View
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Department
- Textiles
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Title
- Skirt Cloth (Kain panjang)
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Place
- Surakarta (Object made in)
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Date
- Made 1950–2000
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Medium
- Cotton, plain weave; resist printed (batik)
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Inscriptions
- Inscription: HKS
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Dimensions
- 105.3 × 242.8 cm (41 1/2 × 95 5/8 in.)
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Credit Line
- Gift of E. M. Bakwin Indonesian Textile Collection
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Reference Number
- 2002.964
Extended information about this artwork
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.
