Coming from a nation of over 13,000 islands, the textiles of Indonesia are as varied as their sources, with each group employing unique motifs and imparting their own special meanings. As important cultural artifacts, these textiles tell us much about the beliefs and social systems of the people who made and used them.
Indonesia
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Kalimantan ‘Pua/Kumbu’
MoreFrom Sintang, West Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo), what is known by other Dayak as ‘pua’ is here called a ‘kumbu’. It is requisite for many traditional ceremonies including rites of passage and healing rituals, and serves to define sacred space, as well as provide protection and decoration. This exceptional textile is a recent weaving (less than 20 years), but beautifully captures the traditional spirit with fine weaving and materials, natural dyes and time-honored motifs.
Size: 76.75″ x 31″
$865.00
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Embroidery from South Sumatra
MoreEmbroideries were, and still are used in west and south Sumatra for special ceremonies, especially weddings. They grace pillow ends, walls and canopies of elaborate wedding ‘beds’, or ceremonial platforms. This one is composed of metallic couched motifs and metal sequins on a red felt background bordered by metallic and acryllic (added later?) thread. First half 20thc.
Size: 5.75″ x 10.75
$50.00
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Ceremonial Wallhanging ‘Tirai’
More‘Tirai’ are decorative valances that originated in India and were brought to Indonesia through trade. Hung on walls, across windows and doors, or in one area of a room to form a special space, they are usually in this format, with tongue-like appendages hanging from the lower edge. This charming piece includes old beads and sequins, couched embroidery and traditional motifs in felt on wool and cotton. It is probably darker than originally due to a layer of soot-like color. Not as opulent as some, it has a folk art quality, unusual colors and pleasing simplicity.
Size: 45.75 in. wide x 16.5 in. high
$240.00
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Balinese Ceremonial Valance
MoreFrom Negara, in the Jembrana regency of west Bali, these unusual embroideries, called ‘ider’ were used to decorate temples. Often commissioned for special occasions, pieces like this one depict a colorful array of flowers, leaves and vines. Rarely found, these are documented well in only one source: The Folk Art of Bali; the Narrative Tradition by J. Fisher and T. Cooper; Oxford Press 1998; Chapter 5. Silk & cotton on cotton; mid-20thc.; good condition, minor soil and some tears. These would make a great room valance.
Size: 180″ x 10.75″
$155.00
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Balinese Ceremonial Valance
MoreFrom Negara, in the Jembrana regency of west Bali, these unusual embroideries, called ‘ider’, were used to decorate temples. Often commissioned for special occasions, pieces like this one depict a colorful array of flowers, leaves and vines. Rarely found, these are documented well in only one source: The Folk Art of Bali; the Narrative Tradition by J. Fisher and T. Cooper; Oxford Press 1998; Chapter 5. Silk & cotton on cotton; mid-20thc.; good condition, but soil and some tears. These would make a great room valance.
Size: 104″ x 10.5″
$90.00