Title
Kebaya
Year/Period
Early-mid 20th century
Region
Java
Material
Dimension
Gross measurement: 78 x 124 cm
Accession No.
2010-01300
Collection of
Credit Line
Gift of Ms Suryati Tedja c/o Ms Meitasari Tjandrasa
Kebayas (blouse) were worn by Peranakan Chinese ladies from the early 20th century. The origins of kebayas are obscure - some researchers believe that there are Indonesian influences, while others see Middle Eastern connections. The Peranakan Chinese ladies of Indonesia in particular, wore white lace kebayas, and would pair these with batik sarongs or skirtcloths made in workshops in the northern coastal towns of Java. This preference for lace is believed to have been a result of the influence of the Dutch mestizo ladies in the Dutch East Indies.This piece is designed with popular motifs of peacocks and bouquets. The peacock symbolises elegance, beauty and dignity, as well as wealth and power.
