We acknowledge the Gadigal of the Eora Nation, the traditional custodians of the Country on which the Art Gallery of NSW stands.

Title

Kain songket

circa 1890

Artists

Unknown Artist

  • Details

    Other Title
    Kain sontak
    Place where the work was made
    Sumatra → Indonesia
    Date
    circa 1890
    Media category
    Textile
    Materials used
    silk with coloured brocade
    Dimensions
    75.0 x 215.0 cm
    Credit
    Gift of the Kidd Family 1995
    Location
    Not on display
    Accession number
    217.1995
    Copyright

    Reproduction requests

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  • About

    One of the most prestigious of locally produced cloths is the sumptuous, golden'kain songket', referred to as 'cloth of gold'. While the gold thread used for such cloth was from local Indonesian sources, the silk thread was mostly imported. The high quality of the gold ensures a surprisingly supple fabric and the resultant luxurious robes were fitting symbols of wealth and prestige for royal court centres throughout the Indonesian region. Palembang, the capital of the ancient kingdom of Srivijaya, had long had a wealthy class able to indulge in such luxurious cloths.

    Asian Art Department, AGNSW, 2006

  • Exhibition history

    Shown in 1 exhibition

  • Bibliography

    Referenced in 3 publications