This stunning vintage Indonesian batik tulis kain panjang (long cloth) is from Solo, one of the ancient batik producing city in Java.
The Javanese sarong fabric will look beautiful as an elegant shawl and wrap. Perfect for the boho and eclectic interior and for vintage textile lover and collector.
▪︎246cm x 104cm ( 96" x 41" )
▪︎Mid 20th C
▪︎Batik tulis
▪︎Good condition
▪︎Natural dye
▪︎Handwash only in natural soap or detergent for delicates.
▪︎ABOUT
It was made with a tool called tjanting, instead of stamped or printing. Every dots and lines were hand drawn in wax individually and then dyed, boiled, rewaxed, and the process was repeated , depending on the complexities of the design. A piece like this can take four to six months or more to produce.
This classic design is called Tribusono, with flaunting peacocks, birds, phoenixes and floral and fauna motifs. They were produced between the 50s and 70s by the saudagaran (merchants). Batiks were originally made for the royalties who had their own 'inhouse' workshop and artists. Traditional motifs such as parang, ceplok and kawung in sogan were only reserved for the kraton (palace).
The Tribusonos were a respond to these restrictions, a collection made outside the kraton for non royals.
There are two pairs of phoenix, place upside down to each other. This is a common feature in kain panjang. It acts as an instruction on wrapping the cloth. The side with the upside down birds will be folded first, hence showing only the correct birds when fully wrapped as sarong.
*not suitable for upholstery project
**pictures are close representation of the item but not 100% due to different light conditions and viewing screens.