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FORMULAIC - GEOMETRIC - RHYTHMIC
JARIK KAWUNG textile
The geometric kawung motif is one of the oldest in Indonesia, appearing on 13th century Hindu and Buddhist temple carvings. It was once decreed a motif larangan by the royal courts of Central Java – forbidden for use by commoners. Based on a grid system of ellipses, it is classified as a ceplokan (metal ornament) pattern.
The shape of the core motif is said to resemble a cross-section of the aren-palm fruit or lotus blossom. The petals represent the Javanese belief in a sacred and structured universe, or the wind’s four directions.
The classic pattern on this Yogyakarta cloth was created using repeated applications of a copper stamp (cap).
Kain panjang – long skirt cloth, batik cap (cotton), Yogyakarta, Central Java
Kindly lent by Kadar and Anton Lucas
JARIK KAWUNG soundtrack
Variants of Central Javanese cèngkok - Muchlas Hidayat
00:00 / 00:00
Melodic motifs played on the gendèr metallophone from the Central Javanese gamelan are called cèngkok. These are based on an inherited system of formulae which, if notated, take the appearance of mathematical equations.
Gendèr patterning is always comprised of different formulae strung together in a sequence. In this soundtrack, musician Muchlas plays just one cèngkok over and over, but in different rhythmic and melodic variations: Jarik kawung. This motif is thought to be named after sung phrases that reference the batik pattern kawung.
Muchlas first plays the motif in a sparse, ethereal style called kembang tiba – falling flowers. He then progresses to more florid and lively interpretations.
The music was recorded during a warm rainstorm.
Variants of Central Javanese cèngkok 'Jarik kawung'
Instrumentation: solo gender barung metallophone, slendro
Musician: Muchlas Hidayat
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