Hip Wrapper (Kain Panjang)
1950/75
Surakarta (also known as Solo), Central Java, Indonesia
Indonesia
Resembling a snake or dragon, the legendary naga is a popular image in Indonesian art. The naga is surely related to Hindu mythology, but it is likely that the creatures held significance in Indonesian culture prior to the advent of Hinduism. They are associated with a variety of concepts related to water. These connections are unmistakable in this hip wrapper, given the undulating, shimmering lines of the background and the presence of lotuses, which live in water.
Batik Textiles of Java, April 21-September 17, 2017
Cotton, plain weave; hand-drawn wax resist dyed (batik tulis)