Sampler, ILE2006.4.290

Title Sampler
Culture Palembang or Komering
Geography Sumatra, Indonesia
Date 19th century
Medium Cotton and silk; balanced plain weave and embroidery
Dimensions 17 5/16 × 14 3/16 in. (44 × 36 cm)
Credit Line Robert J. Holmgren and Anita E. Spertus Collection, Promised gift of Thomas Jaffe, B.A. 1971
Inv. No. ILE2006.4.290
View in Collection

On this sampler, eleven fragments with red silk have been sewn to a large coarse, undyed cotton ground fabric, which has some samples embroidered directly upon it. The designs are mostly stylized flowers and trees but also include a dragon snake (naga), a squirrel, and a small bird. The sampler has a cotton backing. —RB