Traditional Karen woman's tunic in indigo cotton and Job's Tears (Southeast Asia) - Textile - 66.5 cm - 63 cm

Traditional Karen woman tunic in indigo cotton and Job's Tears (Southeast Asia)
Mid-20th century

Description of the lot:

Gorgeous ethnic tunic (traditionally worn by married women) from the Karen tribe, native to the mountainous regions of northern Thailand and Burma. The piece is made from a thick handwoven cotton cloth dyed with natural indigo. The lower part is richly adorned with a geometric mesh embroidered in red and yellow threads. The design is enhanced by the application of genuine white seeds (Coix lacryma-jobi, commonly known as “Job's Tears”), typical of the textile craft of this ethnic group. The base of the garment is outlined by a rust-colored cotton band with overcast stitching.

Origin: Karen ethnicity (Thailand / Burma, Southeast Asia).

Materials: Handwoven cotton, natural pigments (indigo), colored cotton threads, natural seeds (Job's Tears).

Object type: Collectible textile / tribal traditional garment.

Dimensions: Height 66.5 cm × Width 63 cm.

Condition:

Good overall condition for a tribal textile piece in use.

The fabric shows a beautiful patina with natural variation in the indigo dye and some light discolorations or signs of wear (notably visible on the plain weave), attesting to its authenticity.

The neckline (with reinforced seams) and the garment’s structure are solid.

The embroideries and seed applications are remarkably well preserved, although a few minor losses inherent to its age may be present.