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‘Sandyakala Smara’: Reviving the timeless elegance of Kudus batik
Denny Wirawan, in collaboration with the Bakti Budaya Djarum Foundation, presented a fashion show in Kudus, Central Java, featuring the forgotten splendor of Kudus batik.
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Fashion designer Denny Wirawan (center, dressed in black) poses with the models in front of Yasa Amrta traditional house after the Sandyakala Smara fashion show highlighting the rare Kudus batik in Kudus, Central Java, on Sept. 6, 2023. (JP/Sylviana Hamdani)
D
enny Wirawan, in collaboration with the Bakti Budaya Djarum Foundation, presented a fashion show in Kudus, Central Java, featuring the forgotten splendor of Kudus batik.
Indonesia is known for its rich batik reflecting its diverse cultures. From the earthy Sogan batik of Yogyakarta and Surakarta to the vibrant Peranakan batik of Lasem and Pekalongan and the Pesisiran batik of Cirebon and Madura, the variety is astounding.
Yet, amid this luminous tapestry of batik, the allure of Kudus batik remains a relatively undiscovered gem.
Nestled on the southern slope of Mount Muria, Kudus has been a vital center for batik production since the 15th century. What sets Kudus batik apart is its distinctive motifs, drawing inspiration from domestic flora and fauna, local landmarks, Arabic calligraphy and Chinese mythological creatures, as well as Dutch influence. Each piece is unique and a vestige of the historical and cultural backgrounds of Kudus.
And yet, its splendor is almost forgotten.
“Kudus batik is hard to find,” fashion designer Denny Wirawan said. “In Jakarta, we can easily find Pekalongan batik, Solo, Yogya, Madura and many others. But where would you find Kudus batik, except in its hometown in Kudus?”
Denny, in collaboration with the Bakti Budaya Djarum Foundation (BBDF), has been working on revitalizing Kudus batik since 2015. Together, they have trained batik artisans in Kudus and crafted high-fashion outfits from the iconic batik.
