Selendang (shoulder cloth)
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
1961-115-10
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Smithsonian American Art Museum collection, *Selendang (should cloth)* is a captivating 19th-century example of printed, dyed, and painted, gifted by Alan L. Wolfe. This cloth, a traditional garment worn draped over the shoulders for both function and adornment, exemplifies the artistry of anonymous textile makers from that era. Its presence in the museum highlights how everyday fabrics can transcend utility to become cherished works of art, preserved for their craftsmanship and cultural resonance. The medium itself tells a story of ingenuity: combining printing for bold patter...
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...