2006 Antique Textile Hipwrapper Ceylon
Antique Sri Lanka Hip Wrapper Textile
Block printed textile.
Estimated to be from the early-mid 1900s.
Used as a garment / hip & body wrapper.
Called 'Somana' Cloth / Mudaliyar Garment (if I have understood correctly)
This Indian trade cloth, produced on the Coromandel Coast of southeast India, was exported to Sri Lanka. In Ceylon, such a cloth served as a somana tuppottiya—a sarong or wrapped garment worn by wealthy men. Collected in Sri Lanka (Ceylon).
These cloths were worn in the Southeast Asian style, wrapped around the waist so the tumpal-like end border patterns were displayed at the front. Many later found their way into temple treasuries or became cherished heirlooms among aristocratic families.
Has signs of ageing / fading at the edges
113 X 355 cm
End panels have faded somewhat. Minor damage present. Overall good condition.
Complete textiles are not easy to find as these are garments and face considerable wear and tear.
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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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