Ceremonial banner
Sumatra is renowned for its distinguished tradition of gold and silver bound silk thread embroidered textiles. This cloth likely served as a banner or cover, perhaps associated with a bridal chamber. The textile tradition to which this cloth belongs reflects the marriage of two traditions long familiar to the peoples of Sumatra, the gold and silver embroidery of southern China, and a predilection for non-figurative adornment growing out of a deep faith in Islam. Both these sources were active in the region by the 15th century, and shaped the indigenous textile traditions thereafter.
Artwork Details
- Title: Ceremonial banner
- Date: 1925–50
- Culture: Sumatra (Aceh)
- Medium: Silk with gold-thread embroidery and cotton lining
- Dimensions: 71 1/2 × 22 5/8 in. (181.6 × 57.5 cm)
- Classification: Textiles-Embroidered
- Credit Line: Gift of Sim Tan, in honor of Enid Tan and Tan Toh Hua, 2016
- Object Number: 2016.748
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
More Artwork
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.