Indonesian Kain Panjang or Body Cloth

Hexagonal rosettes in red and cream bounce across a deep plum field.

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. Notably, a long panel shows cream hexagons, each with a red radiating flower at the center, set tight against a dark aubergine ground sprinkled with small diamonds. The colors are crisp and the edges are clean. It is 41 inches wide and 90 long.

Bold, busy and remarkably well organized for so much color.