GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Dense rows of geometric medallions containing abstract flower blossoms as seen from above are combined with banji motifs on the body (badan) of this batik. The banji pattern, derived from an ancient mystical symbol, is connected with Hindu gods in India and with Buddhism in China, where it is translated as "ten thousand blessings." The flawless application of the design indicates that it probably was made using a cap, or stamp.
Both ends have a broad decorative band (papan) combined with triangles (tumpal), said to illustrate bamboo shoots, symbols of fertility that also offer protection. The papan includes images of flowers, plants, and butterflies as well as the luk cuan, a Chinese mythical bird associated with good luck. A gandawari (sweetly wafting smell) border on the top and bottom of the cloth contains a combination of flowering rice plants, maize, and the melati flower symbolic of marriage.
Excerpt from
- Label text, Waxed: Batik from Java, 2016.
NOTES
Catalogue essays
Artist/designers
Cultures
Geography
Indramayu (Java): TGN: 1077722
Java (island/Indonesia): TGN: 7003695
Indonesia (nation): TGN: 1000116
Process/materials
batik: AAT: 300053050
cotton (fiber): AAT: 300183670
dye (colorant): AAT: 300013029
wax (material): AAT: 300014585
Historical periods
Individuals
Subject terms
bamboo (plant): AAT: 300311500
banjis (Chinese rugs by pattern): AAT: 300198379
birds (motifs): AAT: 300375751
blue (color): AAT: 300129361
fertility: AAT: 300379149
floral patterns: AAT: 300010135
maize (plant/zea mays species): AAT: 300375398
medallions (ornament areas): AAT: 300077354
patterns (design elements): AAT: 300010108
protection: AAT: 300164923
rice (plants/genus): AAT: 300343827
skirts (garments / refrajo / corte): AAT: 300209932
stamping (marking): AAT: 300239001
stamps (marks): AAT: 300262844
RELATED OBJECTS
PROVENANCE
By 1989: George Kent Watters, Los Angeles
1989: Dallas Museum of Art, purchased from above
The main source for this provenance is the letter from Linda Ledford of the Dallas Museum of Art to George Kent Watters, dated June 30, 1989, copy in Dallas Museum of Art Collections Records object file.
AUDIO ASSETS
VIDEO ASSETS
IMAGE ASSETS
WEB RESOURCES
- Art Institute of Chicago~Learn more about batik in Java.
ARCHIVAL RESOURCES
FUN FACTS
TEACHING IDEAS
RULES
Apply to objects where number equals 1989.44
Category
rules_operator
AND
General Description
Dense rows of geometric medallions containing abstract flower blossoms as seen from above are combined with banji motifs on the body (badan) of this batik. The banji pattern, derived from an ancient mystical symbol, is connected with Hindu gods in India and with Buddhism in China, where it is translated as "ten thousand blessings." The flawless application of the design indicates that it probably was made using a cap, or stamp.
Both ends have a broad decorative band (papan) combined with triangles (tumpal), said to illustrate bamboo shoots, symbols of fertility that also offer protection. The papan includes images of flowers, plants, and butterflies as well as the luk cuan, a Chinese mythical bird associated with good luck. A gandawari (sweetly wafting smell) border on the top and bottom of the cloth contains a combination of flowering rice plants, maize, and the melati flower symbolic of marriage.
Excerpt from
- Label text, Waxed: Batik from Java, 2016.
Fun Facts
Archival Resources
Web Resources
Notes
Catalogue essays
Artist/designers
Cultures
Geography
Indramayu (Java): TGN: 1077722
Java (island/Indonesia): TGN: 7003695
Indonesia (nation): TGN: 1000116
Process/materials
batik: AAT: 300053050
cotton (fiber): AAT: 300183670
dye (colorant): AAT: 300013029
wax (material): AAT: 300014585
Historical periods
Individuals
Subject terms
bamboo (plant): AAT: 300311500
banjis (Chinese rugs by pattern): AAT: 300198379
birds (motifs): AAT: 300375751
blue (color): AAT: 300129361
fertility: AAT: 300379149
floral patterns: AAT: 300010135
maize (plant/zea mays species): AAT: 300375398
medallions (ornament areas): AAT: 300077354
patterns (design elements): AAT: 300010108
protection: AAT: 300164923
rice (plants/genus): AAT: 300343827
skirts (garments / refrajo / corte): AAT: 300209932
stamping (marking): AAT: 300239001
stamps (marks): AAT: 300262844
RELATED OBJECTS
PROVENANCE
By 1989: George Kent Watters, Los Angeles
1989: Dallas Museum of Art, purchased from above
The main source for this provenance is the letter from Linda Ledford of the Dallas Museum of Art to George Kent Watters, dated June 30, 1989, copy in Dallas Museum of Art Collections Records object file.
AUDIO ASSETS
VIDEO ASSETS
rules
Apply To
Objects
number
Equals
1989.44
source file
object_notes_2_a-0535.xml.nores