My thanks go to John Ang for alerting me to a new exhibition at the National Textile Museum in Kuala Lumpur entitled The Secret of Kebaya, which runs until 31st December 2023. Through sixty exhibits an overview is provided of the rich history of this garment, as well as how it has evolved through the years.
“Earlier this year, Malaysia joined four other countries to submit a multi-national nomination for the kebaya to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity for the year 2023.” – The Star
For more images and information see this article by M. Irsyad in The Star.
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OATG member Chris Buckley has co-written an article on Dani art from Papua, for the current issue of Tribal Art magazine. The items will also feature in a catalogue, which is currently being prepared by Tracing Patterns Foundation.
“The Tribal Art article includes some reflections on the meaning of ‘art’ and ‘connoisseurship’. The Dani makers and collectors of these carved and decorated stones were also connoisseurs of their quality and value. Jonathan Fogel of Tribal Art also records his delight and intrigue with these objects in the magazine’s editorial. The objects, collected by the late Dr. O.W.Hampton, will eventually be returned to Papua, to the University museum in Jayapura.” – Chris Buckley
Chris and Sandra Sardjono gave a fascinating talk to members on the Fiber Arts of Papua back in 2021 – a recording of which is available to members via the password-protected section of our website.
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Running across 18th-19th November is the World Textiles Bazaar in Edinburgh. This will take place at The Nomad’s Tent, owned by OATG member Andrew Haughton. Whether you are looking for Indonesian batik, African beads or Japanese kimono you are sure to find something of interest!
For more information click here.
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OATG member John Gillow has informed me that he will be participating in the Antique Tribal and Decorative Fair being held in London on next Sunday, 19th November 2023.
Following the inaugural fair in July, this has been made into a biannual event to be held each June and November. The fair runs from 10:00-16:00 and entry is £10 until 11:00 and free thereafter. There will be a great selection of expert dealers with a fabulous array of antique textiles from Europe, Asia and Africa, for collectors, interiors and costume.
Participants include: John Gillow, Noel Chapman (Bleu Anglais), Sallie Ead, Sandy Carr, Ulrike Montigel, Junnaa & Thomi Wroblewski, Su Mason, Andy Lloyd, Katharine Pole, Lucy Farmer (World Basket), Michael Hawes, Owen Parry, Louise Teague, Rebecca Engels, Fuji Kimono, Emma Caderni, Hannah Whyman & Slow Loris Textiles.
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I was recently looking at photos taken during one of our many trips to Central Asia, and explaining about the babies cradles to a friend, so I was delighted to see this short piece about a beautiful Uzbek cradle cover in the collection of the Textile Museum in Washington. The author, Sandra Hoexter, explains how “the bright colors and expensive materials reflect hopes for the baby’s rich future.”
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Oxford Asian Textile Group blog 