1824 Antique Sumatra Tampan Ship Cloth

Antique Ship Cloth Tampan from Sumatra

Layout with motifs in four quadrants

The main field shows 4 houses with human figures within - all created in rust / red

Well developed blue borders.

My first impression was that because the river-like lines are irregular (as they are neither straight nor perfect zigzags) this might be the work of a novice. But the precision with which the irregular lines are all parallel to each other - makes me think that this is an intentionally engineered design. The reason and symbolism of course remains known only to the weaver.

But it is elements like this that make this a unique and soul-filled work of art. There are many artworks out there that mirror a particular school of thought. But such herd mentality is rarely seen in Tampan shipcloths.

Has signs of usage and minor damage - condition is not perfect

Mid-Late 1800s

77 x 87 cm

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This item has spent a lifetime being used for the purpose of its creation with the original artist/user. Signs of this life lived heartily may be present on the piece in the form of stains, thread loss, loose threads, holes, tears, color run and other imperfections. Therefore the condition must be assumed to be “not” perfect. More photos of such imperfections will be provided on request.

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