Unknown Maker, Javanese

Perhaps made for an older woman, this sarong combines traditional Central Javanese colors -- blue, brown, white -- and a traditional North Coast badan (field) pattern of tendrils and birds with a floral bouquet kepala (head) in the European-influenced North Coast style. Another stylistic innovation, the scalloped floral border at the lower edge, may have been derived from lace trim seen on the clothes of European women in the late 19th century. This combination of design elements may also indicate that the wearer had family ties in both the Pasisir and Central Java.