Indonesian Kain Panjang or Body Cloth

Observe a fine golden grid of tiny diamonds covers this narrow cloth from edge to edge.

This kain panjang, or Indonesian body cloth is from Indonesia, and dates to the 20th century. It is cotton. Cotton has been spun and woven in the Indonesian islands for centuries, and it takes dye well, which suits the region's patterned textile traditions. Pictured, a long strip with a mustard-yellow ground carries rows of small dark diamond and cross motifs. A faint horizontal crease and slightly uneven lower edge show where it has been folded and handled. It is 40 inches wide and 91.5 long.

Meticulous, mild-mannered and mesmerizing in small doses.