Creating Batik Lasem through a comparative study of Batik Lasem and Champa in the 15th to 19th century

Abstract

Batik Lasem of Indonesia is a part of the national cultural heritage. Playing an important role in the production of traditional Indonesian textiles, batik Lasem has a specific motif mixing elements of Chinese and Javanese culture, which produces meaningful, unique motifs and colors. It is believed that Admiral Cheng Ho, who first arrived at the Binangun port in 1413, had brought this culture with his people from Champa. The purpose of this research was to create a new batik motif by combining Batik Lasem and the Champa motif. The research method used was the literature studies by analyzing the acculturation of Champa ceramic ornaments in Batik Lasem and interviewing with some batik observers as well as batik entrepreneurs. Through Design Thinking Process, the author develops four motifs of the acculturation motif from the surrounding natural environment and the daily stories of the local people. In the future, the author hopes that this sustainable new motif will inspire young people to preserve this extinct Batik Lasem as our precious cultural heritage.