A Large Gold Thread Kain Selendag Songket, ca 1900
browse these categories for related items...
Directory: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Southeast Asian: Textiles: Pre 1920: Item # 979499
Directory: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Southeast Asian: Textiles: Pre 1920: Item # 979499
$2,500.00
From our Southeast Asia Collection, a fine and large late 19th / early 20th century gold thread ceremonial shoulder cloth, or kain selendag songket, from the Minangkabau people of Sumatra, Indonesia, circa 1890-1920, executed using heavy gauge gold thread intricately woven into floral and geometric motifs on a red silk backing. The processes for creating and spinning the gold thread and weaving the design motifs are excruciatingly time consuming, thus this technique is generally reserved for pieces of significant ceremonial importance.
Size and Condition: This is a sizeable piece at 82 inches long, 36 inches wide. Overall condition is very good for this type of antique textile; many do not survive as well as this example. There are some expected splits and pulls commensurate with age and use as depicted in the photographs, but these are not considered significant and do not detract from the piece. Please note that this songket has already been professionally mounted and framed in protective glass, and while cumbersome to ship, it will need to be sold framed and the framing cost has already been factored into the price.
