Lower Body Wrapper (kain panjang) with Design of Repeated Diagonal Bands (garis miring) of Six Patterns

This textile showcases various patterns in diagonal bands, a design known as garis miring. Each band alternates between a narrow and a wider one. This order is repeated across the entire surface, creating a soft overall look. When viewed closely, each of the six patterns is very meticulously drawn and painstakingly waxed by hand in preparation for coloring with natural dyes. The contrast between the indigo blue and various shades of brown is characteristic of batiks made in Surakarta, one of the two royal courts in Central Java. There is a greater concentration of indigo blue in every sixth band, which allows that pattern to be the most visible from a distance. The subtle and elegant design shows off the expertise of the batik artist, since it combines a number of motifs used singly in many other batiks.