Traditional Batik Archives - PREMIUM HAND-PAINTED BATIK

Parang Lereng Batik, a Forbidden Motif Only Used by the Royal Family

Some time ago, the machete batik motif became a hot topic of discussion after it became one of the dress codes for Kaesang wedding guests, the son of President Joko Widodo. In the wedding procession, invited guests are advised not to come using the machete slope batik motif. This prohibition was stated by Kanjeng Gusti Pangeran Adipati Arya Mangkunegara X.

This prohibition is not without reason, Parang Slope Batik is one of the forbidden motifs used by the general public and may only be used by the royal family.

Oldest Batik Motifs

Motig Batik Parang is one of the oldest batik motifs in Indonesia which has existed since the leadership of the Mataram Palace. It is not surprising that Parang Batik motifs can be found in many areas around Solo and Yogyakarta. This old batik motif looks like it repeats following a diagonal line. Judging from the language, Parang Batik comes from the word ‘pereng’ which means slope in Javanese.

The description of this perengan can be seen from the motif, which is a descending line from high to low. Then, the recurring motif of parang batik with the letter S as a basis is inspired by ocean waves which mean never give up. There are two versions of the meaning of the Parang motif. According to Rouffaer and Joynboll, this motif originates from the sword-shaped patterns that knights and lords wore in battle.

In another version it is stated that the Parang motif was created by Panembahan Senopati while observing the movement of the South Sea waves hitting the rocks on the beach. Thus, the pattern of curved lines is interpreted as ocean waves which are the center of natural energy, in this case what is meant is the position of the king. Meanwhile, the slanted composition of this parang batik motif is also a symbol of power, greatness, authority, and speed of movement.

History of Parang Batik Motifs

This motif is said to have been created by Sultan Agung Hanyokrokusumo who was inspired by the waves on the South Coast of Java while he was meditating. During the Mataram dynasty until the beginning of Indonesia’s independence, the machete motif batik could only be used by kings and their descendants.

Meanwhile, the damaged parang batik motif means that it is still strong, patient and able to control the power of lust even in a state of exhaustion. The damaged parang batik motif is said to have been created when Penembahan Senopati was meditating on the South Beach.

Types of Batik Fabrics You Really Must Know

Batik is a type of traditional cloth from Indonesia with a distinctive pattern, which is made using a special technique. Batik, which has been considered a valuable cultural icon in Indonesia, is actually made using a variety of different techniques. Reporting from various sources, here are several types of batik according to the manufacturing technique.

Batik According to Manufacturing Techniques

Written Batik

Hand-written batik is a type of batik that is made manually by hand with a canting tool to apply wax to the batik pattern. Making written batik requires a lot of patience and diligence because every point in the motif affects the final result. The motives generated in this way will not be exactly the same. This complexity causes the price of written batik to be very expensive. This type of batik is worn by kings, palace officials and nobles as a symbol of luxury.

Batik Cap

Stamped batik is a type of batik made using a stamp or a kind of stamp with a batik motif made of copper. Cap is used to replace the function of the canting so as to shorten the production time. Stamped batik motifs are considered to have less artistic value because all the motifs are exactly the same. The price of stamped batik is quite cheap because it can be made en masse.

Painting Batik

Painting batik is a type of batik made by depicting motifs using wax on white cloth. The making of painted batik motifs is not fixated on the standard of existing batik motifs. The motif is made according to the wishes of the painter. This painted batik has an expensive price because it is classified as exclusive batik and the number is limited.

Batik Based on the Manufacturing Trend

Traditional Batik

Traditional batik is a cultural art in the form of lines and dots writing patterns so that they form the same unique and distinctive motifs and patterns. An example of traditional batik is Cirebon batik. The motifs used in Cirebon batik are specifically those originating from the Cirebon area only, and may not use motifs from other regions.

In addition, traditional types of batik are also made longer than modern types of batik. Batik is made by writing. Forming batik motifs are lines and dots. The arrangement of motifs and colors is adjusted to the patterns formed from lines and dots. The process of making batik is longer. Higher artistic value.

Modern Batik

Modern batik is a type of batik whose techniques and manufacturing process do not take long. Therefore, modern batik has a lower price and is very easy to find on the market with similar motifs. Its manufacture does not take long. Motives adapted to the movement of the times. Its aesthetic value is determined by conformity with the latest fashion. The spread of batik is more and more widespread. Prices are much cheaper and affordable than traditional batik.