Breast Cloth (Kemben)

At the courts of central Java, ceremonial dress for women included the long, narrow breast cloth that wrapped around the upper body. The plain, elongated diamond in the center of the field signified that the wearer was married. The central diamond may by dyed or, as is the case here, appliquéd with a piece of dyed silk. The subdued green color is associated with the goddess of the South Sea, who, according to legend, was instrumental in establishing the dynasties of central Java.Batik Textiles of Java, April 21-September 17, 2017