Title
Camisole
Year/Period
Early 20th century
Region
Straits Settlements, Indonesian Archipelago
Material
Dimension
Gross measurement: 43 x 37.5 cm
Accession No.
2007-00980
Collection of
The camisole is a form of sleeveless women’s undergarment usually extending to about the waist. This cotton camisole has thin embroidered shoulder straps and the top is decorated with crochet work. This is a technique used to create fabric from thread. The camisoles had buttons in the front and inside pockets to keep keys. The motifs include stylised floral patterns, some with the petals enhanced using cutwork embroidery. Silk camisoles were worn by Nyonyas under the kebaya to protect their modesty and could be stitched by them, although there were times when they were commissioned and tailored outside. Towards the 1950s and 1960s, many Nyonyas started to abandon the camisole in favour of the brassiere.
