This long black wool jacket was crafted in a similar cut and style to European military jackets, and its buttons bear the royal monogram of King William III of the Netherlands (r. 1849 to 1890). The metallic embroidery along the collar, cuffs, and lapels form curlicues to mimic European military braiding, although the metallic thread was likely obtained from Indonesia. During the early 20th century, sumptuary laws restricted the wearing of such clothing to only the Dutch and certain groups of indigenous people. European-style jackets were worn publicly by members of the elite in the Dutch East Indies, including Peranakans, as a form of power dressing and status.
