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Batik skirt cloth (kain panjang)
Origin: Indonesia, Java, Yogyakarta, c. 1950
Technique: Hand-drawn (tulis) batik, natural indigo and soga dyes
Description: a densely drawn, semi-abstract design belonging to the most complex group of semen (from semi, meaning “to sprout”) patterns that symbolize the fertility of the natural world. The principal ornaments are arranged in vertical columns relative to the dominant motif of paired wings and a tail representing the Garuda—a symbol of nobility. Two structural motifs stand out amidst a wealth of curvilinear forms suggesting leaves, tendrils, fruits, and padi stalks. a surprising detail is a tiny pair of four-legged animals that change the scale of the picture when they are detected. The largely brown motifs are detailed with blue lines that emphasize their shape, and are further filled with tiny white dots that give the motifs a sharp, refined definition. The spontaneous free-hand drawing has the depth of suggestiveness of traditional central Javanese batik.
Context: Semen designs are the most important group of non-geometric batik patterns. They derive from pre-Islamic cosmology, and were previously reserved for royalty.
Condition: Excellent, the piece appears virtually unused. The cotton is stiff, thick and crisp with age, and the colours are rich, deep and unfaded.
Dimensions: Length: 241 cm. Width: 105 cm.
Origin: Indonesia, Java, Yogyakarta, c. 1950
Technique: Hand-drawn (tulis) batik, natural indigo and soga dyes
Description: a densely drawn, semi-abstract design belonging to the most complex group of semen (from semi, meaning “to sprout”) patterns that symbolize the fertility of the natural world. The principal ornaments are arranged in vertical columns relative to the dominant motif of paired wings and a tail representing the Garuda—a symbol of nobility. Two structural motifs stand out amidst a wealth of curvilinear forms suggesting leaves, tendrils, fruits, and padi stalks. a surprising detail is a tiny pair of four-legged animals that change the scale of the picture when they are detected. The largely brown motifs are detailed with blue lines that emphasize their shape, and are further filled with tiny white dots that give the motifs a sharp, refined definition. The spontaneous free-hand drawing has the depth of suggestiveness of traditional central Javanese batik.
Context: Semen designs are the most important group of non-geometric batik patterns. They derive from pre-Islamic cosmology, and were previously reserved for royalty.
Condition: Excellent, the piece appears virtually unused. The cotton is stiff, thick and crisp with age, and the colours are rich, deep and unfaded.
Dimensions: Length: 241 cm. Width: 105 cm.
price:
SOLD