Batik : Javanese and Sumatran Batiks from Courts and Palaces, Rudolf G. Smend Collection

by Harper , Donald J.

• ISBN13: 9783926779588
• ISBN10: 3926779586
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-03-01
• Publisher: Univ of Washington Pr

Summary

In Asia, and particularly in Indonesia, batik has long been considered a medium of expression with deep cultural significance. The intricate designs on fabric, created with the aid of a small wax painting device and dyed with natural dyes, were signs of status and hierarchy in the highly sophisticated court culture that developed in central Java.

When batik workshops run by women of various ethnic origins sprang up on the north coast of Java during the 19th century, designs were created which reflected a wide range of cultural influences, combining Chinese and European design styles and colors with various Indonesian traditions. Javanese batiks hence stand for ethnic diversity as well as for identity and unity.

Rudolf G. Smend has been involved with Indonesian batiks since the early 1970s and has brought together an impressive collection of top quality pieces. Exceptional textiles such as hip cloths, breast cloths, headscarves, child-carrying cloths, and ceremonial weavings are featured in this beautifully illustrated book. Historical photographs and color

Table of Contents

Preface	9	(8)
Rudolf G. Smend
Javanese Batiks - An Introduction	17	(66)
Brigitte Khan Majlis
Catalog / The Collection
Central-Java / The Classical Style	20	(20)
Nordkusten-Region / The Pasisir Style	40	(23)
Sumatra / Sumatran + Export Styles	63	(7)
Peranakan Batik / Straits-Chinese Batik	70	(13)
Collecting Batik in Java	83	(3)
Donald J. Harper
A Journey to Yogyakarta	86	(7)
Peter Wenger
Insider Information	93	(5)
Harmen C. Veldhuisen
Glossary	98	(3)
Danksagung	101	(2)
Rudolf G. Smend
Landkarte / Map of Indonesia	102	(1)
Acknowledgements	103	(2)
Selected Bibliography	105	(2)
Photo Credits	107	(2)
Imprint	109