The Fabric
The textile for this product was sourced over a decade ago from a small market in Solo, Indonesia. By the time we met the fabric had already lived a good previous life as a scarf and has since been carefully kept, waiting for the right moment to celebrate and share the beautiful design and story of the cloth.
‘Indonesian Batik’ is recognized by the United Nations as an ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity’ owing to the vital part it plays in the country’s living heritage. Solo is one of Indonesia’s most respected centres of batik, renowned for its skilled craftsmanship and traditional motifs. This particular fabric does not have a maker’s mark, but is dyed using natural pigments, with the warm browns, soft creams and deep blues characteristic of the region. The section chosen for framing has been thoughtfully selected from the larger sarong to best honour and showcase the original design.
The Frame
The frame itself was sourced from an auction house lot and is reused here with care. Wherever possible, the original wood and glazing have been retained, while the internal mounting and backing materials have been replaced with high-quality, acid-free components to protect the textile for years to come. The fabric is mounted using a traditional lacing technique, avoiding adhesives that could compromise it over time. Discreet spacers allow air to circulate between the fabric and the glazing, and the frame is carefully sealed to reduce dust ingress.
The original glazing has been reused. As with many vintage frames, it is not always possible to definitively confirm the presence of specialist coatings or UV protection. For this reason, it is recommended that the piece is not hung in direct sunlight.
Frame fixings are fitted for portrait and landscape hanging.