Batik Palembang, South Sumatera

Palembang, South Sumatra

Palembang is the provincial capital of South Sumatra. Palembang is the second largest city in Sumatra after Medan. History was once the capital of Palembang's maritime Srivijaya empire that dominates the archipelago and the Malay peninsula in the 9th century also makes this city known by the nickname "Earth Sriwijaya". Based on the inscriptions found on the Mount Kedukan Siguntang Hill west of Palembang, which declared the establishment of a Wanua is interpreted as a city on June 16, 682 before christ, making the city of Palembang as the oldest city in Indonesia. In the Western world, the city of Palembang is also nicknamed the Venice of the East (Indonesian: "Venice of the East").

Historical Background of Batik Palembang

A Cultural who has long studied the culture and literature of South Sumatra, Mr. Yudhy Syarofie claimed to have been exploring a variety of literary history, but found no definite time when the art is identified with Javanese culture was added to Palembang. He only dared to predict this craft appeared in the era of the founding of the kingdom of Palembang, about the end of the year 1500 AD. Because, when it happens proximity and cultural exchanges between the Malay and Javanese culture. "It is estimated that the entry of Java elements within the Malay culture is influenced by the Kingdom of Demak. Because, in the era of the Kingdom of Palembang occur proximity and cultural exchanges, including batik. In historical records the appearance of batik Palembang is also against the backdrop of political activity in that period. For in those days there has been diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Palembang and the Kingdom of Mataram. However, when seized by the VOC Palembang in 1659, the Kingdom of Mataram does not provide assistance to the Kingdom of Palembang though his power was attacked. In 1663 AD, Palembang in power VOC had sent some people to study the ideology and politics of Java. Until there is absorption of culture.

Motifs of Batik Palembang

Batik motifs Palembang no picture this animal because of the influence of Islamic teachings that prohibit the symbol of man and beast to be decorated. Form of batik with motif of Palembang's famous Flower Tea Lasem and his motives. Lasem lively motifs form decorated with symbols of plant or flower and decorated also with symmetrical lines, another with Tea Flower motif, the fabric is filled with pictures of flowers tea. Batik motifs such as jeperi, tea leaves, gold Babar, boats, Babar amethyst, and lilies produced in Pekalongan and textile businessman named batik from Palembang. Many people who do not know this because they are more familiar with its Palembang songket cloth. In fact, the art of batik techniques already exist in Kilkenny since 300 years ago. In making batik Palembang little different with batik in Java in general. In the area of Java that will dibatik pretty fabric draped then dibatik, but if Palembang batik fabric is stretched by a new firm after it in batik.

Some Examples of Batik Palembang

Handicrafts of batik Palembang