1981.88 Sarong

Displaying the dramatic dark blue head (kepala) in the center of this batik is possible because, when worn, the sarong retains its original tubular form. Flowers, leaves, birds, and a peacock (a Chinese symbol for beauty and dignity) are arranged in a large bouquet (buketan) pattern, a European-derived design typical of Indo-European north coast batik after 1900. 

The overall new growth and fertility (semen) motif of the body (badan) is evident on either side of the head (kepala) and continues on the remainder of the garment. Abstract vegetative and animal images associated with fertility, sawat (the wings of the Hindu eagle-like creature Garuda), and inverted "V" shapes referencing mountains (holy places in Javanese belief) combine in a characteristic Central Javanese pattern. 

Mixing of north coast and Central Javanese designs occurred when commercial batik workshops were developed outside the palace walls and catered to clients from Indonesia and abroad. 

Indonesia (nation): TGN: 1000116

Java (island/Indonesia): TGN: 7003695

Surakarta: TGN: 7016823

batik: AAT: 300053050

cotton (fiber): AAT: 300183670

bouquets: AAT: 300387430

eagle: AAT: 300250049

fertility: AAT: 300379149

floral patterns: AAT: 300010135

flower (motif): AAT: 300375563

Hinduism: AAT: 300073727

leaves (plant components): AAT: 300400479

mountains: AAT: 300008795

peacocks (birds/animals/pavo genus): AAT: 300250082

sarongs: AAT: 300209928

wings (animal components): AAT: 300375053

workshops (organizations): AAT: 300026026

By 1981: Mary Hunt Kahlenberg, Los Angeles, CA

1981: Dallas Museum of Fine Arts, purchased from above [1]

The main source for this provenance is the Dallas Museum of Fine Arts Purchase Consideration Form dated October 9, 1981, copy in Dallas Museum of Art Collection Records object file. 

[1]  The name of the Dallas Museum of Fine Arts, founded in 1933, was changed to the Dallas Museum of Art in 1983.

Apply to objects where number equals 1981.88