JAVA ISLAND

Pekalongan, Central of Java

Batik is historically derived from ancestral times, known since the seventeenth century, written and painted on palm leaves. At that time batik motif or pattern was still dominated by the form of animals and plants. But in the history of batik development evolved, namely from painting motifs of animals and plants gradually turn into an abstract pattern that resembles a cloud, temple reliefs, wayang beber and so on. Next through the merger of the painting style of clothing decorated with art, batik art emerged as we know it today.

vacation packages : history of Batik

History of batik the type and style of traditional batik quite so much, but the pattern and variations in accordance with the philosophy and culture of each region are very diverse. The cultural treasury of Indonesia has led to the beginning of batik style and types of tradisioanal with their own characteristics.

Although no official records were known when the batik began in Pekalongan, but it was estimated around 1800. Even according to the data recorded at the Department of Trade and Industry, batik motif was created in 1802, as a small tree motif of clothing materials.

However, significant progress could have occurred after a major war in 1825-1830 in the Mataram kingdom, often referred to the Diponegoro war or a war of Java. With this war happened, kraton families and their followers were urged to leave the region of kingdoms. They then spread to the East and West. Later in the area or new area, the family and their followers have developed batik.

To the east, batik of Solo and Yogyakarta had refined the existing batik in Mojokerto, Tulungagung and spreading to Gresik, Surabaya and Madura while to the West it was developed in Banyumas, Kebumen, Tegal, Cirebon and Pekalongan. With this migration, the existing of batik Pekalongan was growing rapidly.

Over time, Batik Pekalongan was experiencing rapid development compared with other regions. The Batik grew around coastal areas, namely in the cities and towns of Buaran, Pekajangan and Wonopringgo.

Pekalongan encounter with the various nations such as China, Dutch, Arabs, Indians, Malays and Japanese in the past. It has colored the dynamics of motifs and colorful batik art.

Several types of batik motif were the results of influenced from various countries which came and later to be known as the identity of Pekalongan batik. One of the motif was the batik Jlamprang, inspired from Indian and Arab Affairs. Then batik Encim and Klengenan, influenced by the Peranakan Chinese. Batik Hokokai, growing rapidly since the Japanese occupation.

Pekalongan batik became very distinctive because it relies entirely on hundreds of small businesses, rather than on a handful of large capital entrepreneurs. Since many years ago until now, most of Pekalongan batik production process has done the works at homes. As a result, batik Pekalongan closely integrated with the life of Pekalongan community.

The rise and down of batik development in Pekalongan show the development of batik at the whole nation in Indonesia. The icon for the work of art that never gave up with the times and it is always dynamic. Now batik has become the breath of daily life in Pekalongan residents and it is one of superior products. Since it has been famous for the batik, it is known as the City of BATIK. The nickname comes from a long tradition rooted in Pekalongan. During that long period, various types and design, as well as batik quality is determined by the climate and the existence of local fibers, historical factors, trade and community preparedness to receive and understand new ideas.

Batik is a work of art and admired by the world, among the traditional craft, none of which can present as beautiful and smooth as Pekalongan batik.

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