Object Notes

This silk panel with purple and cream ikat design is from northern Bali. Most of the ikat textiles from this area are cotton; when silk is used only the weft yarns are tied for the pattern. The repeated design, usually described as a four-point star, was probably inspired by the best known of Balin

The somber yet majestic color scheme of Batak textiles contrasts starkly with the raw energy of much Batak sculpture.  The restricted palette is richly symbolic, for in ritual contexts black (or very dark blue), red, and white represent the three cosmic levels—the lower, middle, and up

One of the most dramatic Indonesian textiles is the ceremonial hanging called palepai, a long horizontal cloth whose stylized motifs include a ship with scrolled prows (the central portion of this example), animals bearing riders, and architectural s

The characteristic features of Lampung textile ships are clearly depicted on this early monochromatic tampan from Kalianda.  Hooked prows mark the ends of the boat; medallions decorate the hull; passengers seem to stand at attention on the deck, and the central pair is sheltered by an

Circular tables with tripod bases and tilting tops were extremely popular among wealthy Philadelphians during the last half of the 18th century. Numerous examples survive today.