Indonesian Kain Panjang or Body Cloth

Small teardrop motifs march down a field of fine dots on this tall panel.

This kain panjang, or Indonesian body cloth is from Indonesia, and dates to the 20th century. It is cotton. In Javanese tradition certain batik patterns were associated with court rank or particular occasions, and the choice of cloth could say a good deal about the wearer. Seen head on, a long rectangular cloth is covered in tiny brown and cream dotted grid patterns, with large pointed teardrop shapes in russet arranged in rows down the length. The edges are neat and the tone is warm brown. It is 41 inches wide and 91.5 long.

Dotted, dotted again, and dotted once more for good measure.