Cirebon-Indramayu Javanese batik
 |
 Display of Cirebon Javanese batik at the Trusmi Batik Village, West Java | |
| Type | Textile art |
|---|---|
| Material | Cambrics, silk, cotton |
| Production process | Craft production |
| Place of origin | Cirebon (Indonesia) |
| Batik | |
|---|---|
| Country | Indonesia |
| Reference | 00170 |
| Region | Asia and the Pacific |
| Inscription history | |
| Inscription | 2009 (4th session) |
| List | Representative |
Cirebon-Indramayu Javanese batik, or simply Cirebon batik (/ˈt͡ʃɪrəbonˈbaʈɪʔ/; Javanese: ꦧꦛꦶꦏ꧀ꦕꦶꦉꦧꦺꦴꦤ꧀, romanized: baṭik Cirebon) and Indramayu batik (/ˈɪnd̪rɔmajʊˈbaʈɪʔ/; Javanese: ꦧꦠꦶꦏ꧀ꦢꦼꦂꦩꦪꦺꦴꦤ꧀, romanized: baṭik Dermayon)[1] is a traditional cultural Cirebon and Indramayu Javanese-style of batik, a Javan art and method of producing colored designs on textile.[2] Native to the northwestern coastal region of the Indonesian island of Java, specifically within the Western Java cities of Cirebon and Indramayu. Cirebon-Indramayu Javanese batik is one of the indigenous Java-origin batiks, a Javanese cultural textile-making tradition. It is well-known for its vibrant colors and distinctive motifs that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Javanese people in Cirebon and Indramayu.
On 2 October of 2009, Batik (including Cirebon Javanese batik) is internationally recognized by the United Nations through United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity from Indonesia.[3] Since then, Batik Day annually celebrated nationally and internationally (predominantly by Indonesian diaspora) on 2 October to commemorate those global recognition.[4]
Since 2021, as part of Indonesia’s cultural heritage preservation efforts, the Government of Indonesia, through the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, has initiated the digitization and official inscription of Cirebon and Indramayu batik as an element of the nation’s intangible cultural heritage.[1] The designation identifies Cirebon and Indramayu as the associated geographical indication, it is protected under national laws.[1]
Characteristics
[edit]Color
[edit]
- Bright and Vivid Colors: Common colors include red, blue, yellow, green, purple, and white.
- Coastal Influence: As a coastal batik, it often uses more vibrant and varied color schemes compared to inland Javanese batik traditions like Yogyakarta and Surakarta.
- Symbolic Use of Colors: Each color may carry symbolic meanings, e.g., red for bravery, blue for tranquility.
Motifs and Patterns
[edit]
- Megamendung (ꦩꦺꦴꦒꦩꦺꦤ꧀ꦝꦸꦁ): The most iconic Cirebon-Indramayu batik pattern, featuring cloud-like shapes representing fertility, generosity, and spiritual elevation.
- Wadasan (ꦮꦼꦢꦱꦤ꧀): Geometric and natural motifs originating from the royal court (keraton), such as singa barong (mythical lion), naga siluman (dragon), and paksi naga liman (hybrid mythical creatures).
- Floral and Faunal Elements: Incorporates native Javan birds, butterflies, and foliage, often stylized with flowing, dynamic lines.
- Mythological and Narrative Themes: Some designs are inspired by local Cirebon-Indramayu Javanese myths and religious native Javanese stories in general.
References
[edit]- ^ a b c "Batik Dermayon" [Cirebon-Indramayu batik] (in Indonesian). National Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia. 2021.
- ^ "Batik", Oxford English Dictionary, Oxford University Press, doi:10.1093/OED/1867416628
- ^ "Batik: Indonesia-origin cultural tradition and method". United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Archived from the original on 8 December 2020. Retrieved 21 October 2019.
- ^ Shamasundari, Rebecca (7 February 2021). "Celebrating Indonesia's cultural heritage, batik". The ASEAN Post. Archived from the original on 17 April 2021. Retrieved 6 February 2021.