Oversize Hip Wrapper (tapis)
Unknown Artist
mid-1700s
Medium
cotton; plain weave; drawn resist, painted mordants, dyed
Dimensions
{"overall":{"height":2.96,"width":1.2}}
Classification
Textile
Department
Textiles
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
John L. Severance Fund
Accession Number
2000.28
About this artwork
This colorful, elegantly patterned cloth was made in India for export to Indonesia in the East-West spice trade of the Dutch United East India Company. On the island of Sumatra such cloths, worn by both men and women, acquired ceremonial status, sometimes with magical and religious connotations. The pattern influenced local textile production, especially the heading at each end with triangles (kepala) on the deep red ground. The rich colors were a renowned hallmark of Indian cotton textiles, cov...