Hip cloth in Peranakan Chinese style

The design of this batik hip cloth marks the transition from the traditional style of the north coast of Java to Peranakan Chinese style. It still has the traditional colours of red, blue and green. The typical pattern of elongated rows of triangles are transformed and overshadowed by prominent diamonds, characteristic for Peranakan Chinese hip cloths as a way of showing their own identity. The other motifs are mainly Chinese. Between the floral patterns, roosters and deer are depicted. The rooster stands for courage, and reliability in Chinese symbolism. The deer is a wish for a long life, and wealth. The undulating band at the lower border seems to represent a serpent.
North coast Java, approx. 1860, cotton, natural dyes
Object number: RV-Liefkes-606