Title
Baju panjang
Year/Period
Late 19th-early 20th centuries
Region
Singapore, Indonesian Archipelago
Object Type
Dimension
Gross measurement: 123 x 148.2 cm
Accession No.
2011-01163
Collection of
Credit Line
Gift of Mr and Mrs Lee Kip Lee
The baju panjang is a hip or knee length long tunic with a v-shaped opening for the head. This piece is also known as ‘baju batik’ and is made from brown batik cloth and decorated with small, repetitive floral motifs. Batik is a technique for decorating plain fabric using molten wax applied or drawn onto the cloth. The wax prevents the absorption of dyes to the areas on which it is applied. Through repeated applications of wax and dye, complex patterns and designs can be created on the fabric. The baju panjang, being long and loose fitting, is suitable for the hot, humid climate in Southeast Asia as it allowed for better ventilation.
