Kepala

It is pretty common for people to take nature, lifestyles, and beliefs as an inspiration for new motifs. This becomes visible in design trends on batiks made between 1890 and 1920.

Some of J. Jans’ earlier kepala designs can be seen in figure 3 and 4.

In some of her other works, it shows that J. Jans’ batik designs were inspired by her hobby of creating flower arrangements from roses and orchids (which she grew herself), which she also did to earn money on the side.

The motif in the kepala of our batik depicts a scenery of a pond with a lotus and a pair of herons. The head motif is inspired by Indo-Chinese influences and is the centerpiece of the batik. Animals described in Chinese folklore are considered to be of symbolic significance; they often represent different beliefs and religions. However, the current interpretation leans towards the philosophical values that the animals represent.

Herons and lotuses are often used as motifs in Chinese and Japanese art, in paintings, textiles, and even furniture. They represent fortune, loyalty, grace, patience, joy, and love. Most of these motifs are used to symbolize happiness and are therefore often worn for joyous and important occasions such as weddings. Most of the time, these batiks were gifts for newlyweds to wish them peace and harmony as they started a family.

Herons are one of the most common motifs encountered during this time period - not only in batik but also in other decorative elements, like interior design. Although the heron is also native to Indonesia and can still be seen here today, the inspiration for the batik and interior design comes most likely from elsewhere. The designs are more similar to images from Chinese folklore or European sources.

Now let us look at another part of the batik, the Badan.