Batik Motif Details - Ornaments II

In the rich tapestry of Indonesian batik art, motifs are deeply symbolic, carrying cultural, spiritual, and aesthetic significance. Following the exploration of iconic ornaments in the previous post, we now shift focus to another captivating set of primary ornaments: Flames, Dragons, Animals, and Butterflies.

By analyzing these motifs and their artistic breakdown into primary patterns, filler ornaments, and isen, we gain deeper insight into the artistic ingenuity and symbolic layers within Indonesian batik. This continuation celebrates batik not merely as fabric art, but as a vibrant legacy—a living connection to Indonesia’s cultural heritage that deserves to be preserved and passed on to future generations.

FLAME ORNAMENTS

In batik art, flame ornaments (lidah api) are designed in two primary forms:

1. Row of Flames (Cemukiran or Modang):

- This form is a series of flame shapes used as a border or separator between patterned and non-patterned areas. Known as "Cemukiran" or "modang" in batik, it often serves as an elegant boundary decoration.

2. Blumbangan-Like Flame Pattern:

- Another form shows the flame tips arranged to create elongated shapes resembling blumbangan. This style is typically a main feature in classic Semen motifs, where flame ornaments are used sparingly, similar to building ornaments.

In ancient Indonesian philosophy, fire symbolizes mystical power that can influence human character. In the concept of the four life elements (Earth, Fire, Water, and Wind), fire represents the second element. When harnessed and controlled, it fosters bravery and heroism; when left uncontrolled, it leads to aggression and destruction.

Examples of Flame Ornament Forms

1. Flame Ornament as Cemukiran or Modang:

- Often seen on garments with "blumbangan" designs, such as dodot (ceremonial cloth), kemben (traditional blouse), and head wraps.

2. Simple Flame Ornament in Merak Ngigel:

- A minimalist flame design featured in the Merak Ngigel batik motif.

3. Simple Flame Ornament in Semen Ngreni:

- Another streamlined flame design within the Semen Ngreni motif.

4. Flame Ornament in Semen Rama:

- This variant of the flame ornament is used in the Semen Rama motif, adding elegance to the design.

5. Flame Ornament in Semen Candra:

- Found in the Semen Candra motif, showcasing the symbolic power of flames.

6. Flame Ornament in Cuwiri Kembang:

- A unique interpretation of the flame ornament can be seen in the Cuwiri Kembang motif, blending classic elements with a fresh style.

Flame ornaments in batik reflect not only a decorative function but also cultural meanings, symbolizing strength and the dual nature of fire within traditional Indonesian beliefs.

DRAGON ORNAMENT

The dragon (naga) is a large serpent with extraordinary strength and mystical powers. This great serpent is depicted with a peculiar form—its head resembles that of a giant, often adorned with a crown, sometimes winged, and at times both winged and footed. Occasionally, two dragons are arranged symmetrically, resembling Garuda ornaments or other shapes. Thus, the dragon ornament is a product of imagination, much like Garuda and the Tree of Life (Pohon Hayat). According to research, dragon ornaments existed even before the Hindu cultural influence in Indonesia and can be found across various regions of the country.

In batik motifs, the dragon ornament is primarily featured in Semen motifs, though it occasionally appears in others. For example, in the Ceplokan style within the Parang Rusak motif, this design is called Parang Rusak Naga. Dragon ornaments are frequently found in classical Semen motifs, but their use has become less common in more recent Semen designs. Symbolically, the dragon represents the underworld, water, femininity, the earth, yoni (female energy), doors, and music.

Examples of Dragon Ornaments in Batik Motifs

1. A dragon with a giant head and crest, found in Semen Srikaton.

2. A dragon with a crowned head and slightly curved body, found in Semen Naga Cindula.

3. A dragon ornament with a giant head, crowned and coiled body, found in Semen Naga Bisikan.

4. A dragon ornament with two dragons symmetrically arranged and decorated with other shapes, found in Semen Uret Manglar.

5. A dragon ornament with a giant crowned head, wings, and two legs, found in Semen Candi Mintuna.

6. A winged dragon with a coiled body, found in Semen Naga Raja.

ANIMAL ORNAMENT

Animal ornaments (ragam hias binatang), particularly four-legged animals, have existed in Indonesia since the mystical era, predating the Hindu influence. Common animals depicted in artistic ornaments include the ox, deer, elephant, lion, and tiger. These animals are sometimes illustrated in imaginative or fantastical forms, such as winged lions, winged elephants, horses or oxen with trunks, or animals with flower-shaped tails.

In batik motifs from Yogyakarta and Surakarta (Sala), animal ornaments are stylized—represented in specific artistic forms unique to batik designs. Meanwhile, in batik-producing regions along the northern coast of Java, animals are often depicted in a more realistic or natural form. Animal ornaments can be found in classical Semen motifs as well as in newly created Semen designs. Due to the inclusion of these animal ornaments, Semen motifs are sometimes categorized as "motif alas-alasan," a style that portrays forest-like scenery filled with various animals.

Indonesian artists enjoy creating imaginative representations, as seen in the royal chariots from the Kasepuhan Palace in Cirebon. In these designs, the animals are hybrid creatures: the body resembles that of a horse, the legs and tail resemble a lion, the head is that of an elephant, and the wings are akin to those of Garuda. These animals are depicted with immense power and mysticism. Similarly, in batik motifs, we find winged lions and elephants resembling Garuda, symbolizing that these mighty animals can also fly—indicating their supernatural abilities or extraordinary traits.

Examples of Animal Ornament Forms

1. An animal form with the face resembling an ox and a crested head, found in the Semen Manis batik motif.

2. A simple animal form with a head crest resembling a plant bud, which is mirrored in the tail tip, found in Semen Sawat Garuda.

3. An animal form with a trunk, found in the Semen Prabu batik motif.

4. An animal form with branching antlers resembling a deer, found in the Semen Rama batik motif.

5. An animal form with a crested head resembling plant vines, found in the Sidoluhur Yogya batik motif.

6. An animal form resembling a deer with branching antlers, also found in the Semen Rama batik motif.

BUTTERFLY ORNAMENT

The kupu-kupu (butterfly) ornament refers to decorative motifs resembling butterflies, typically depicted from a dorsal perspective, as if viewed from above during flight. Animals grouped under this ornamentation may not always be butterflies; they could include other winged creatures such as beetles, moths, fireflies (kuwang-wung), bats, or similar animals. These butterfly ornaments often take on imaginative forms. For instance, the tail might resemble leaves, the wings might blend into plant shapes or resemble the Tree of Life, the body may mimic arrangements of leaves and flowers, or the wings might look like a sequence of foliage.

Butterfly ornaments primarily appear in Semen and Ceplok batik motifs, with a smaller presence in Ganggong and Lereng motifs. They generally function as primary ornaments, although in some cases they are used as fillers to occupy empty spaces.

Examples of Butterfly Ornament Forms

1. A simple animal form resembling a bibis (a small sea insect), found in the Parang Jaladri batik motif (jaladri = sea). It likely represents a bibis laut or undur-undur laut (sand flea).

2. A form resembling a butterfly, found in the Peksi Endra batik motif.

3. An ornament resembling a butterfly with lar wings (Garuda-like wings) and a tail shaped like a leaf, found in the Semen Lung Simbar batik motif.

4. An ornament with wavy wings and a tail also shaped like wings, also found in the Semen Lung Simbar batik motif.

5. An ornament with wings resembling those of a Phoenix, found in the Kupu-kupu batik motif.

6. An animal form with wings folded forward and backward, found in the Semen Kembang Asem batik motif.