Indonesian Batik and Nature Themes: Textile and Tradition

Indonesia is an archipelagic country well known for its diversity in flora, fauna, people, and so much more. Indonesia is also well known for its diversity in culture creating so many branches of arts, one of them being the well known batik, a piece of fabric treasured as cultural heritage and recognized by UNESCO that we wear proudly on days to school, work, or even for daily wear . Due to the diversity of people in Indonesia which causes the diversity of culture as well, there is also a diverse range of batik patterns based on these cultures. Batik is more than just a simple pattern on a piece of fabric, it carries history, identity, and a deep meaning of the culture it represents. This shows that batik isn't just some pattern on a piece of fabric, it represents our cultural identity as diverse people of Indonesia. Batik patterns could be seen taking inspirations out of mythologies, philosophy and daily life, as well as cultural and historical influence. One inspiration that has been used very frequently however is nature.

The history of batik varies based on regions, however a popular version of the history of batik dates back to around the 18th to 19th century when batik began to flourish in the kingdom of Majapahit. The production of batik was only preserved for the elites and royalties as a symbol of wealth and power. Batik patterns could be seen taking inspirations out of mythologies, philosophy and daily life, as well as cultural and historical influence. One inspiration that has been used very frequently however is nature.

Nature inspired batiks can be seen everywhere, maybe even you are wearing one as you are reading this. But aren't you curious about the first nature design batik? If we were to talk about the first nature inspired batik pattern to ever exist in Indonesia, the earliest record of nature inspired batik pattern is called Kawung.

Kawung is recognized as one of the most popular batik patterns that originates from Jawa, Yogyakarta and Solo. Same as Majapahit, Kawung is also preserved for royalties, but it is worn as a symbol of wisdom and high respect. It is clear that Kawung is seen as something so bougie back then that this was the only official dress code for formal ceremonies back in the days. Kawung is such a well-loved pattern that not only is it printed in fabrics, it is also printed in ornaments and items such as pillow cases, paintings, even as architecture in Candi Prambanan.

The name Kawung itself has the original meaning of kolang-kaling fruit from the aren tree. Each Kawung batik contains 4 long kolang-kaling fruits that each contain its own meaning. In one version the 4 fruits in batik Kawung represent the 4 cardinal directions which are meant to symbolize tidiness and balance of life. However in another version Kawung is meant to represent holiness, sincerity, as well as self control. But that's not the only meaning of Kawung, the batik Kawung has so many varieties that its meaning also varies depending on what type of Kawung it is.

Today Kawung has become the main influence and foundation for most Javanese batik. It has also become one of the most respected classical motifs of batik. WIth the explanation of Kawung, this shows that batik is truly more than just a drawing in a piece of fabric. But batik also serves as a strong media to preserve history, symbolic meanings, identity, for generations yet to come. So the next time you’re wearing a batik remember that you're not only wearing fabric, you're wearing a piece of history and carrying out your identity as well.