Indonesian Kain Panjang or Body Cloth

Tiny eyes and diamonds repeat so densely that the cloth seems to shimmer.

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. Essentially, a tall rectangular cloth is covered in tightly packed lozenge and eye-like motifs. The upper third is lighter gold-brown and the lower part deepens to a dark chestnut, with small neat fringes of plain edge. It is 40.5 inches wide and 94 long.

A great deal of patience went into every little diamond.