we're more than a pretty outfit

we have a story to tell, too!

Plenty of Indonesian textiles have philosophies and history attached to their motifs. That piece you've got your eye on? Keep scrolling to dig deeper and we hope its meaning resonate with you!*

*can't find your garment motif? we work with modern motifs too, though these may not have deep history, they are still made using the same ancient techniques

Type of Textiles

LURIK (hand woven)

LURIK comes from the Special Region of Yogyakarta, handmade using traditional manual dyeing techniques to create threads which are then woven using an ATBM tool - a rarity nowadays! This kain (fabric) originates from Central Java & comes from the Javanese word “lorek” meaning “stripey/striped” but has also been interpreted to mean “gates” that protect the person wearing it from bad luck. With a humble history that comes from one of Indonesia’s most mystical regions, of course, many lurik motifs have their own meaning.

BATIK (hand crafted)

BATIK (pronounced "baa-tick") originated from Java and has expanded across the archipelago (and the world), and every region has its own style of Batik, with its own unique identity, motifs, its own meaning and history. Our batik is made in the city of Cirebon, one of the centers of exquisite Indonesian batik alongside Yogyakarta, Pekalongan and Surakarta. There are two types of Batik, differentiated by the technique with which it was made: Batik stamp and Batik tulis techniques.

Batik stamp is made using patterns carved into wooden squares, dipped in wax and stamped onto fabric. It is the fastest method of creating batik kain and can be used multiple times, at larger quantities.

Batik tulis is a much slower and more intricate process that often takes over 6 months to create a single 2x1 meter batik kain. The technique is as old as time, creating patterns using wax and canting (a metal tool that acts like a pencil for the artisan to draw their designs with) Batik tulis are special, time-consuming, and unique - no two pieces will ever be the same.

JUMPUTAN (hand dyed)

JUMPUTAN (also known as the rainbow kain in Javanese) refers to the act of picking something up using your finger-tips. It is a type of batik that uses a technique of tying seeds inside a kain, then dipping it in dye. Historically, this tie- dye technique hailed from China, and was brought to Indonesia by Indian merchants. The art of Jumputan is practiced beyond Java, including the islands of Sumatra & Bali, with patterns influenced by their own individual cultures.

LURIK (HAND WOVEN)

Udan Liris

this motif is called UDAN LIRIS and was created as a symbol of hope. A reflection of the Kejawen (Javanese religion) way of life, the motif illustrates rain drops and the coming of the rainy season, marking the first stages of planting in the rice paddy fields and is reflective of a prayer for good harvest. It is a pattern that hopes to bring success, wealth & good luck to those wearing it.
Our lurik are hand woven require special care - we recommend washing at 30 degrees & dry flat.

LURIK (HAND WOVEN)

Kembang Mindi

The motif is named KEMBANG MINDI after the Mindi flower, which locals in Yogyakarta deem to be "the most useful plant", every part of which from root to leaf can be used and is a core part of traditional Indonesian medicine. This motif was designed to inspire the wearer to embody the Mindi plant, and become a reliable and useful individual to the community.
Our lurik are hand woven require special care - we recommend washing at 30 degrees & dry flat.

JUMPUTAN (HAND DYED)

Jumputan

The Jumputan (the rainbow kain in Javanese) motif is a form of tie dye that translates to "picking something up using the finger-tips". It originated in China and brought to Indonesia by Indian merchants. It is practiced across the archipelago, with motif designs influenced by the individual cultures of Bali, Sumatra and beyond.
Our jumputan are hand dyed & require special care - we recommend hand washing with soft detergent & avoid contact with lighter colored items to prevent color transfer.

BATIK TULIS (HAND CRAFTED)

Mega Mendung

Mega Mendung is one of the oldest and most iconic batik motifs from Cirebon, West Java. Characterized by the gradations of colour, the intricate design is believed to be inspired by Taoism in which clouds represent Nirvana and illustrates a broad and limitless sky. It is a motif that is associated with wisdom and leadership, encouraging its wearer to remain calm and cool in the face of adversity, like a cloudy sky, to feel & accept your emotions without letting it "rain", for nothing is resolved in a storm.
Our jumputan are hand dyed & require special care - we recommend hand washing with soft detergent & avoid contact with lighter colored items to prevent color transfer.

MYTHICAL CHARACTERS

Rama

Inspired by the Indonesian Wayang art of "shadow puppetry" originating from Java and dates back to 800 AD. With its iconic puppet designs made of buffalo hide, moving behind a screen and lantern to perform a spectacle that offers a guide to life told through ancient tales and Hindu epics - one of which is Ramayana - a classic tale of good vs evil.
This well loved "wayang" design is of Rama, the legendary hero of the story.

Mythical characters

Sita

Inspired by the Indonesian Wayang art of "shadow puppetry" originating from Java and dates back to 800 AD. With its iconic puppet designs made of buffalo hide, moving behind a screen and lantern to perform a spectacle that offers a guide to life told through ancient tales and Hindu epics - one of which is Ramayana - a classic tale of good vs evil, featuring two lovers  Rama and Sita. 
This well loved "wayang" design is of Sita, the godess and love interest of the famous tale.