Although
made in Central Java, the cloud patterns on this cloth
are in the style of the north coast city of Ceribon. This
coastal area incorporated many Chinese elements in its
batiks such as the variety of shades of blue seen here.
Blue
dyeing has been important in Java from very early days
when the name for the present west Java was Taruma or
"indigo." Dyers of blue were one of the professions
listed in charters from 10th century Java. By the 12th
century cloth termed tulis warna (colored drawing)
is mentioned; this phrase may be a precursor to today's
name for batik--kain tulis.
Commercial
cotton, resist patterning, dyed
The Textile Museum 1998.11.16, gift of Beverly Deffes
Labin Collection
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