Kain panjang (long sarong)
19th century
Medium
printed, dyed & painted textiles
Classification
printed, dyed & painted textiles
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Alan L. Wolfe
Accession Number
1962-233-9
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *kain panjang*, or long sarong, from the 19th centuryails from the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection of printed, dyed, and painted textiles. Donated by Alan L. Wolfe, this garment by an unknown artist represents a traditional Southeast Asian form of dress—a versatile, rectangular cloth wrapped around the body, often worn by men for daily or ceremonial occasions. Its presence in the Smithsonian highlights the museum's interest in global textile arts that intersect with American collecting histories. Crafted through labor-intensive techniques, the piece combines printi...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...