Plain weave white cotton cloth sample; step one in the Javanese batik process, 1925. This cloth is industrially produced and imported from Europe to Java, where it is used as the basis for the production of batiks. Approximately 10" x 12". First in a set of 15 process samples. The American Vice Consul in Charge in Surabaya, Java, Rollin R. Winslow, was given these samples in 1924 by Miss E.F. Kerston of a local curiousity shop/dealer in batik called Inlandsche Kunst. Winslow then sent the samples to the Dept. of State as part of his report on local commerce and dyes, expressing the wish that they be forwarded as a donation to the Smithsonian when the State Dept. no longer had a need for them.
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