1991.58 Wraparound skirt (_kain panjang_)

Abstract blue clouds float across a brilliant red sky. The clouds on this cloth are identified as megamenlang (simply, clouds) in contrast to those with rounded ends, which are megamendung (threatening clouds). Both clouds are welcome for an often parched land. This style of rendering is derived from 18th-century Chinese sources. In Cirebon, such cloths were used as decoration in aristocratic bed chambers and worn by sultans. 

It took several months to complete a batik with the cloud motif because the cloth had to be dyed and waxed six separate times to achieve the variations in colors on the clouds and to fill in the contrasting background. Natural indigo and red mengkudu dyes were traditionally used to produce the blue and red colors. This traditional pattern enjoyed a revival in the 20th century and is accomplished with synthetic dyes. 

Indonesia (nation): TGN: 1000116

Cirebon: TGN: 7018012

Java (island/Indonesia): TGN: 7003695

batik: AAT: 300053050

cotton (fiber): AAT: 300183670

dye (colorant): AAT: 300013029

indigo (color): AAT: 300311066

blue (color): AAT: 300129361

clouds: AAT: 300343840

n.d.: Ratu Kaya, sister-in-law to Sultan Agung of Cirebon, Kanoman Palace, Cirebon

By 1991: Steven G. Alpert, Pacific American Corp., Dallas, TX 

From 1991: Dallas Museum of Art, purchased from above [1] 

The main source for this provenance is the letter from Steven G. Alpert to Carol Robbins of the Dallas Museum of Art, dated July 11, 1991, copy in Dallas Museum of Art Collections Records object file. 

[1] See also the Dallas Museum of Art acquisition record dated June 25, 1991, copy in object file. 

Apply to objects where number equals 1991.58