Indonesian Blue & White Megamendung or Clouds Pattern Batik Panel, Circa 1930

Description

A fine and large semi-antique circa 1930 Indonesian batik finely-woven cotton panel from Cirebon, West Java having blue and white … more A fine and large semi-antique circa 1930 Indonesian batik finely-woven cotton panel from Cirebon, West Java having blue and white "Mega Mendung" or "Chinese Cloud" wax resist dyed pattern. Rare to find a true blue and white example as most also incorporate black.

The mega mendung pattern has become a symbol of the city of its origin, Cirebon and its design is attributed to the Chinese traders that began arriving in the 17th century. The cloud motif represents nirvana and the transcendental notion of divinity in Chinese culture. Another narrative states the inspiration for the motif came from rain clouds reflected in a water puddle as the motif's name means "the sky will rain". Traditionally there are seven color gradations in the mega mendung pattern to represent the seven layers of the atmosphere. less