This captivating old batik cloth was hand-drawn in Lasem, Java's north coast, likely intended for the Sumatran batik market. While its format resembles a shouldercloth, the piece is shorter than a traditional gendongan (baby carrier), possibly made as a ceremonial covering cloth. Adorned in classic red and blue tones known as bang-biru, suited for weddings and married women, its centerfield showcases four phoenixes amid flourishing vines against a fresh white background. The striking red end panels feature an intriguing treatment of paisley motifs enclosed in an organic pattern within irregular squares traced by leafy stalks.

A charmingly unique piece, it boasts lively and spontaneous drawing, with blue borders framing the design incorporating banji (swastika) motifs. Its exceptionally rich red hue identifies it as a Lasem creation, renowned for its vibrant red dyes, popular in Sumatra's wealthy cities where red was a favored textile color.

This batik, in very good condition, displays vivid, unfaded red and blue hues. While it exhibits minor wear such as a repair and a few tiny, barely noticeable holes (as detailed in accompanying images), its overall quality remains high. The cotton is durable, slightly crisp with age, yet fresh and robust. Measuring 58 inches (147 cm) by 33 inches (84 cm), this piece stands as a testament to Lasem's distinct color-centric batik classification and reflects the 1930s north coast batik style with its motif outlining using white dots.