Batik textile with wayang figures

Southeast Asian Collection

Accession Nr.: 59.111.1
Type: textile arts
Date of production:
20th century
Place of production:
Materials/Techniques: textile, batik
Dimensions: height: 157 cm
width: 102 cm
Large, indigo blue, vertical looking batik textile - perhaps a wall hanging. Two bands of narrative scenes from the Indian epic Mahabharata: in the upper left, Drôna, the master of the Pandawas and Kurawas, is recognised by his crooked right hand, and opposite him is his disciple Bima, who has been charged with the task of obtaining the water of life.
The bottom row also shows heroes of the 'good side', with aristocratic features and costumes.
The hand-made (batik tulis) textile painting depicts the figures in the traditional wayang (shadow play) style, with a somewhat rustic touch - in a floral as well as geometric frame.