Title
Kebaya
Year/Period
1960-1970s
Region
Straits Settlements and Indonesian Archipelago
Object Type
Material
Technique
Dimension
Gross measurement: 67.5 x 124 cm
Accession No.
2011-01316
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 grey kebaya is made from voile. It is decorated with brown and white stylised floral motifs throughout the piece. This piece, since it is produced in a sombre grey colour, can be worn during occasions of mourning. 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.
