Traditional Indonesian batik textiles have been recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Batik is a patterned fabric characterized by distinctive motifs that embody philosophical meanings and cultural values of the communities that produce them. The fabric is colored using the batik dyeing technique, a method practiced for more than a thousand years. This research paper focuses on One of distinctive development in batik emerged during the Dutch colonial period along the northern coast of Java, particularly in Cirebon. This style introduced new visual elements, including the depiction of human figures, creating narrative and thematic motifs that had not previously appeared in traditional batik designs. This style later became known as Batik Kompeni. In the early nineteenth century, Batik Kompeni gained popularity and developed into a textile commodity with significant economic value. The development of Batik Kompeni was influenced by collaborations between Dutch and Indo-Dutch entrepreneurs and indigenous batik artisans. Over time, these motifs continued to evolve through the creativity of traditional Cirebon batik artists and later inspired the emergence of modern batik designs. Using a qualitative descriptive method with historical analysis and Primadi Tabrani’s visual language approach, this study finds that Batik Kompeni motifs function as visual narratives portraying historical events and social interactions between Dutch colonial society and indigenous communities. The study also shows that indigenous batik artisans adapted to social and cultural change, demonstrating creative resilience that continues to shape batik traditions today.

Authors:
Nuning Yanti Damayanti, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Indonesia

About the Presenter(s)
Dr.Nuning Yanti Damayanti, currently is an Associate Professor at Faculty of Visual Art and Design, Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) in Indonesia. Dr.Damayanti actively research in the field of Visual Arts and Cultural Heritage and community service.

Connect on Linkedin
https://itb.ac.id/staf/profil/nuning-yanti-damayanti

See this presentation on the full schedule – Saturday Schedule

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