Batik cloths such as this example are generally known as ‘batik kaligrafi’ because they feature Islamic calligraphy as their main motif. It is densely inscribed with very fine and small calligraphy, handwritten in the resist dyed method. There are three diamond-shaped panels containing a central lotus-styled medallion and an eight-pointed star. The background is also adorned with scattered white diamond-shaped panels containing leafy scrolls, and miniature representations of the two-pronged sword of Ali, Zulfikar. This motif is commonly found on textiles in Southeast Asia and is thought to have been adopted from the banners of Ottoman Turkey. It is regarded as a symbol of courage and honour.Such calligraphic batik cloths were most often used in a funerary context, serving as a ceremonial drape or a shroud cloth for a bier. This tradition is thought to be related to the Ottoman custom of placing calligraphic silk cloths over the tombs of their saints, holy men, great rulers, martyrs and soldiers.
