This hand-drawn batik cotton breastcloth (kemben), originating from Java, Indonesia, dates to the 1920–1930 period. Measuring 20.5 inches by 96 inches (52 cm x 244 cm), this long, narrow textile was traditionally worn by Javanese women, wrapped around the torso to cover the chest and midriff. The cloth features a classic Javanese composition, dominated by a large, elongated central lozenge known as a tengahan, which is rendered in a deep indigo blue.
The surrounding field is meticulously decorated with an intricate floral vine motif on a light tan ground. The design showcases a sophisticated use of natural dyes, primarily indigo and soga (brown), with the floral elements and leaves detailed using fine tulis (hand-drawn) techniques. A delicate lattice or nitik-style background fills the space between the vines, adding a layered texture to the overall aesthetic. The textile remains in very good condition, though it bears several small, historically appropriate repairs, the largest of which is approximately one-third of an inch.