The Vinson Collection of Indonesian Textiles

Indonesian textiles, including ikats, prints, and batiks, are organized by type, area of origin, dating, and style. The collection includes textiles from India, Sumatra, Borneo, Sulawesi, Bali, and Timor, made from hand spun cotton, silk, or a mixture of the two. The oldest batiks in the collection are from Java and date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. The textiles vary in style, from traditional to Chinese-inspired, French-inspired Art Nouveau, and Indian influences. The collection spans nearly 40 years of collecting periods.

Format: Hardback
Length: 214 pages
Publication date: 16 June 2023
Publisher: CA Book Publishing

Here is the rephrased text:
Indonesian textiles, a rich tapestry of culture and craftsmanship, have been meticulously organized into various categories, beginning with their type and then by their place of origin, dating, and style. The first section showcases ikats and prints from India, including the exquisite patola woven in silk and the vibrant cotton chintz prints. While these textiles were crafted in India, they were discovered in Sumatra, where the patola holds immense ceremonial value and the chintz prints were widely traded across Indonesia, spanning from Sumatra to the Eastern Islands.

Moving westward, we encounter a captivating array of woven textiles originating from Sumatra to Borneo, Sulawesi, Bali, and Timor. These pieces, crafted from hand spun or commercial cotton, silk, or a blend of both, showcase the artistry and skill of the local weavers.

Lastly, we delve into the world of batiks, primarily sourced from Java. The first three batiks in this collection are remarkable for their age, having been analyzed using radiocarbon dating and proven to originate in the 17th and 18th centuries, respectively. These batiks are made from hand spun cotton, showcasing the timeless beauty and tradition of batik artistry.

The batiks in this collection span a remarkable period, ranging from the early 19th century to the mid-20th century. They exhibit a diverse range of styles, reflecting the influences and inspirations of different cultures. From the traditional motifs inspired by the kratons (palaces) of the sultans, Indian influences from chintz and other Indian imports, to Chinese-inspired depictions of animals, insects, plants, and flowers, to French-inspired Art Nouveau, primarily influenced by Batik Belanda, these batiks showcase the rich and diverse artistic heritage of Indonesia.

This remarkable collection of Indonesian textiles and some related Indian textiles, which were widely popular and influential in Indonesian usage and design, came together over nearly 40 years through a series of dedicated collecting efforts. Each piece in this collection tells a story, carrying the essence of Indonesia's cultural heritage and artistic expression. It serves as a testament to the skill, creativity, and dedication of the artisans who crafted these textiles, preserving their legacy for generations to come.

Weight: 1833g
Dimension: 330 x 254 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789887608912