1905 Antique Calligraphy Batik Hand Drawn Textile Ikat Kepala

Antique Batik Hand Drawn Textile Ikat Kepala

A very rare and sought after Batik Kepala head wrapper cloth with fine Islamic Calligraphy all over. Acquired in Toraja. 

Batik textiles in the format of long shawls, head cloths and ceremonial hangings were decorated with religious inscriptions. 

The motifs surrounding the medallions are conjectured to be Ottoman Tughra monograms. The inscribed verses confer protective and talismanic properties onto the wearer / user of the textile. 

Note the diagrams and charts present along the four edges, in addition to the large central square. At first glance, though I do not understand the script, these appear to be magic squares. Note the text present in the cartouches. The motifs surrounding the medallions are conjectured to be Ottoman Tughra monograms. 

Used as a ceremonial head wrapper, this category of calligraphic Batik textiles is very rare.

88 x 88 cm

Estimated to be from the early 1900s

OTHER EXAMPLES:

Crescent Moon : Islamic Art & Civilization in Southeast Asia

Christie's Sale

Christie's

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This item has spent a lifetime being used for the purpose of its creation with the original artist/user.

It is very likely that signs of this life are present on the piece in the form of stains, thread loss, loose threads, holes, tears, color run and other imperfections.

Therefore the condition must be assumed to be “not” perfect

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This item has spent a lifetime being used for the purpose of its creation with the original artist/user. Signs of this life lived heartily may be present on the piece in the form of stains, thread loss, loose threads, holes, tears, color run and other imperfections. Therefore the condition must be assumed to be “not” perfect. More photos of such imperfections will be provided on request.

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