The kebaya is a long sleeved blouse reaching to about waist-length. It has a v-shaped neckline and an open front. A kebaya could be made from voile, which is a type of fine cotton fabric originating from France or Switzerland. This red kebaya is embroidered with motifs of white swans with yellow feathers. These are swimming in a lake with pink lotus flowers as well as jasmines. It is interesting to note that the embroidery is almost symmetrical. This is derived from the Chinese custom which views symmetry as a reflection of a balanced personality. Asymmetry on the other hand is seen as representative of imbalance and disharmony. The kebaya came into prominence in the early 20th century, when it slowly replaced the knee length ‘baju panjang’. It is usually worn with an inner camisole and paired with the sarong, which is a rectangular piece of dyed cotton cloth worn as a skirt by wrapping it around the waist.
