Indonesian Songket Brocaded Sarong

Burgundy cloth, flecked with gold thread.

Weavers of Sumatra, Indonesia, made this songket brocaded sarong in cotton in the 20th century. Songket is a supplementary weft technique, in which metallic threads are woven into the cloth to form patterns, and these textiles are commonly worn for ceremonies and weddings in the Malay world. This piece is a deep burgundy red, with fine gold lines running down its length and small motifs scattered throughout the field.

About 44 by 34 inches. Hang it, and the wall gets dressed. Fold it over a chair, or let it hang.