Breast cloth (kemben). Yogyakarta, Central Java.
Among the aristocracy of central Java, and prior to the influence of western clothing or the kebaya, women wore a breast cloth wrapped around the chest.
This particular example with the spectacular Kawung motif - is a derivative of the sugar palm fruit, and restricted to the upper classes.
Material: Primissima cotton, batik tulis.
Size: 240x52cm.
Circa: 1940-50.
Item No: 15-420