Title
Kebaya
Year/Period
1920-1930s
Region
Straits Settlements and Indonesian Archipelago
Dimension
Gross measurement: 76 x 122 cm
Accession No.
2011-01237
Collection of
Credit Line
Gift of Mr and Mrs Lee Kip Lee
The kebaya is an open tunic with long sleeves, a collarless neck and front opening. It is a hip-length garment and is gently shaped to flatter the figure. This white kebaya is made from voile and is decorated with embroidery, hence the name kebaya sulam. The use of embroidery on the kebaya allowed Nyonyas to have greater leeway to customise their own individual piece, so that the chances of them wearing an identical piece with someone else were greatly reduced. Being of a translucent material, this garment would have been worn with an inner, possibly long-sleeved undershirt.
