Drawn from the DMA’s collection, Waxed: Batik from Java presents a selection of Javanese batik made in the West and Central regions, where the main batik production was centered during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Batik is a wax-resist process for dye-decorating cloth. In Indonesia, batik is especially associated with the island of Java.
The DMA batik collection was established in 1982 with a gift of eight cloths that were collected before 1930. They were donated by Jerry Bywaters, DMA Director from 1946 to 1964, and his wife, Mary, in memory of Paul and Viola van Katwijk. A second installation of these cloths will be presented in March 2017.
Focus Installation
Admission is FREE.
Images: Tubular skirt (sarong), Java, Lasem or Pekalonga, north coast, Indonesia, Asia, early 20th century, Batik (tulis), Dallas Museum of Art, Textile Purchase Fund 1989.41; Wraparound skirt (kain panjang), Java, Indramayu, north coast, Indonesia, Asia, c. 1900, Batik on cotton, tulis, Dallas Museum of Art, Textile Purchase Fund 1989.44; Sarong, Java, Surakarta, Indonesia, Asia, 1920, Batik on commercial cotton, Dallas Museum of Art, General Acquisitions Fund 1981.88; Kemben (Breast Cloth), Central Java, Indonesia, Asia, 1930, Batik on commercial cotton, Dallas Museum of Art, gift of Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Bywaters in memory of Paul and Viola van Katwijk 1982.287; Man's Sarong, Indonesia, Asia, 1930, Batik on commercial cotton, Dallas Museum of Art, gift of Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Bywaters in memory of Paul and Viola van Katwijk 1982.285