Library

National and International Publications on SEA Textiles

PENDULUM BATIK ART. A New Way of Batik Swing your Creativity with Pendulum Batik

Author: Komarudin Kudiya, 2022. 133pgs. (Indonesian). Softcover
Publisher: Instan Grafika Sejahtera, Bandung

The book introduces an innovative approach to batik creation. Utilizing a pendulum filled with molten wax, the artisan swings it freely in creative trajectories above a pristine white cloth, thereby producing a novel form of ornamentation. Komar stands among the rare batik practitioners who transcend conventional methods, employing experimental tools and techniques that resonate strongly with younger audiences. Through the force of imagination and artistic ingenuity, Komar succeeds in reinterpreting tradition, transforming it into aesthetic innovations grounded in contemporary cultural values. His work functions not only as a trendsetter but also as a model of inspiration for emerging generations of creative designers. In the pursuit of artistic exploration, designers must cultivate the courage to traverse the boundaries of imagination—remaining firmly anchored in heritage while simultaneously advancing tradition through inventive reinterpretation.

PERAWATAN KAIN TRADISIONAL (Caring for Traditional Textiles)

Author: Benny Gratha, 2013. 26pg. (Indonesian)
Publisher: Musium Tekstil Jakarta

Proper care of textiles is essential in a tropical and humid environment. This booklet outlines the traditional method employed for this purpose, which involves smoking textiles with a selection of herbs commonly used in the cosmetic industry.

PERHIASAN BETAWI TEMPO DULU. (BETAWI JEWELRY FROM TIMES PAST)

Author: Yayasan Sirih Nanas, Jakarta
Publisher: Emma Amalia Agus Bisri, 2009. 86pgs. (Indonesian). Hardcover.

The volume authored by heritage advocate Emma Amalia Agus Bisri constitutes a remarkable encyclopedic documentation of the traditional jewelry of the Betawi woman, presented both visually and historically. This work serves as a vital cultural archive, offering readers an invaluable window into the richness of Betawi dress traditions and the symbolic universe embedded within them. Through meticulously curated photographs and detailed descriptions, the book catalogues diverse forms of adornment worn across contexts—bridal ceremonies, ritual occasions, and quotidian life. Each piece is not merely described in terms of its materiality or craftsmanship, but is situated within a broader philosophical and cultural framework, revealing layers of meaning that reflect the syncretic heritage of Betawi society. The jewelry emerges as a palimpsest of influences—Arab, Malay, Chinese, and European—testifying to Jakarta’s historical role as a cosmopolitan crossroads. In its historical dimension, Bisri underscores how jewelry functioned as a marker of social stratification, marital status, and gendered identity during the Dutch colonial period. Ornamentation thus becomes legible not only as aesthetic embellishment but also as a semiotic system through which Betawi women articulated their place within a complex colonial hierarchy. The book thereby bridges ethnographic observation with historical analysis, situating jewelry as both personal adornment and collective cultural signifier. Intended for art collectors, historians, jewelry designers, and cultural enthusiasts, this encyclopedic study transcends its immediate subject matter. It invites readers to engage with Indonesian heritage as a living continuum, where material culture embodies memory, identity, and intercultural dialogue. Bisri’s work ultimately affirms the enduring significance of Betawi jewelry as a locus of tradition, creativity, and historical consciousness.

PERJALANAN KEBAYA. The Journey of the Kebaya.

Author: Judi Achjadi, 2014. 48pg. (Indonesian and English)
Publisher: Musium Tekstil Jakarta

This small book showcases the traditional kebaya blouse from the Asmoro Damais collection. The author emphatically explores the kebaya's journey, providing in-depth insights into its name, shape, and the exciting directions it will take in the future.

PERJALANAN TENUN (The Journey of Weavings)

Author: Merdi Sihombing, 2014. 259 pg. (Indonesian)
Publisher: Red and White Publishing and Yayasan Merdi Sihombing

The book decisively captures Merdi Sihombing's journey as a fashion designer who seamlessly blends traditional textiles into his creations. Accompanied by impactful essays from influential figures in his life, it offers crucial insights into his work. Moreover, the striking photography, taken in stunning locations throughout Indonesia, elevates "Perjalanan Tenun" to an essential read for textile enthusiasts.

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