SARONG RELAWATI KEONG

Ibu Yuliana
Born 1985, Batang, Indonesia

SARONG RELAWATI KEONG (2009)
100% Cotton, synthetic dyes
Hand-drawn wax resist on machine-woven cotton
210 x 114cm

This batik was inspired by the paisley design renowned throughout India and Persia.

Relawati — a woman’s name meaning radiance — refers to the flower design in the foreground of the feature panel, known as the kepala (head) of the batik. When worn by men, the kepala is typically displayed at the front, while women wear this feature panel at the back.

Abstracted butterflies and other life forms are hidden within the intricate Relawati design. This practice of abstraction stems from a Sufi belief that it is unwise to seek to depict a whole living creature unless you are also able to grant it a soul. 

The badan/body of the batik is decorated with a keong (snail/paisley) design with a fill pattern of leafy vines known as wuni-wunian.

Ibu Yuliana worked on this piece for around five months, she chose the green/red colour combination because it is unique, striking and individual.

Ibu Yuliana

Ibu Yuliana has been practicing batik production for almost three decades. She learned the artform from her mother at the age of 13, as a tradition based down through the generations (turun-temurun). For Ibu Yuliana, creating batik is a pastime and a way to relax, meditate and unwind from everyday life.