Photo credit: Marina Elphick

Kawung is believed to be the oldest Batik Pedalaman motif, typically identified with the royal palace of Yogyakarta and Solo. It is one of the Ceplokan design, a general geometric design drawn based on the principle of the compass card. This motif has been known in Java and is visible on the walls of Hindu temples such as Prambanan.

Anatomy of the Kawung Motif

The sugar palm fruit seeds (attap seeds) inspires the creation of this motif. It consists of four overlapping circles or eclipses. They are then arranged such as the centres are aligned diagonally, creating a dynamic pattern throughout the cloth.

Cross-section of sugar palm seed (Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons / W.A. Djatmiko)

The whole palm tree can be used – from the leaves for roof foliage and the flower sap to make sugar to the seeds can be eaten and the fibre from the bark can be used for a broom. Hence, those adorning this motif was hoped that they will grow to be a wise leader who are useful for his people.

There are generally three types of kawung motif based on their size. They are namely kawung bribil (the size of the vintage 0.5-cent coin), kawung picis (1-cent coin size) and kawung sen (10-cent coin size). Kawung sen is also known as kawung beton which means the jackfruit seeds.

Philosophy of the Motif

This motif also represents a human being as the central figure affected by the four wind directions, undergoing the different stages of life. The East, where the sun rises, symbolizes a fresh beginning in the morning and an energy source. The South is linked to the Equator or the epitome of everything. The West, the sun set point, is to depict when one has found peace, wisdom and stability in his life. The North represents death, a point where human returns to the arm of the Creator.

The motif is often associated with power, wisdom and justice. As such, this motif is reserved for the royal families and became one of the forbidden batik motifs.