Antique Silk Lawon Ceremonial Shawl, Palembang, Sumatra.
A narrow rectangular silk textile dyed in 2 colors by the  tritik (stitched and gathered resist) process having a crisp delineation of an apple green rectangular center with a purple surround. The ends with applied narrow braided bullion trim. The trim slightly shrunken over time and washings resulting in the pulling of the silk ends. Shawls such as this played a part in wedding ceremonies and other auspicious occasions. The color blocking with the precision of the stitch resist dyed linear formation has a striking contrast of natural dyes.
Poor condition, discoloration, stains, holes and tattered short ends. Textile suitable for mounting.
Weft 34 in. Warp 72 in. (86.4 x 183cm)
Early 20th Century.
Provenance: Dr. Philip Gould, New York, NY.