Let’s get lost in another wonderland! Where we go? I bet it
is the place that you’ve never been to. But I swear, this stuff may get you the
clue.
Still got no clue? You’ve got to visit Karimun Java Island!
Here is the wonderland in the end of Java Island: Jepara. It
is the port of departure to the enchanting island, Karimun Java. For
Indonesians, Jepara is best known for its superb craftsmanship in wood carvings
and furniture crafts. But the lovely tale doesn’t end there, the folk art hides its
legend. And this is what caught me in curiosity to have
traveled this place.
When I firstly got here, I found typical place that just made
me wondering why this place is flooded with skilled craftsmen in this kind of
art that represents an empire state. Though I didn’t find the ambience of
kingdom districts like Solo and Yogyakarta, but its folk stuffs take me to the
kingdom atmosphere.
Based upon the historical story of this place, the
craftsmanship existed since the fall of Majapahit kingdom in 15th
century that forced many artisans and carpenters from East Java came to Jepara which
was the most important trading port at the time and developed woodcarving
skills here. Further, the art of woodcarving reached the fame since the reign
of Queen Kalinyamat. It was because during her reign, the queen had a military
commander named Ki Badarduwung who was a skilled craftsman that taught the
locals his style of woodcarving.
Aside from the history, there is a legend about this
legendary craftsmanship. It is said that long ago lived a famous artist named
Ki Sungging Adi. He was asked by the king to carve the statue of the empress.
It was such a honour for Ki Sungging Adi to take on the job, but unfortunately
his workmanship made the king angered since the king was fully aware of carving
details on the body shape and face of the statue. The king then throwing away
all of the woodcarving’s tools of Ki Sungging Adi fell in the area what is now
known as Jepara. I think that is why Jepara’s woodcarvings are expertly
detailed.
Above all, there is unique thing that is interesting to
know. Unlike Balinese woodcarvings that portray god and goddess in form of
human or animal, Jepara’s woodcarvings portray only flowers, leaves, and trees following
teaching of Islam.
Balinese woodcarving portrays human form.
Jepara's woodcarving portrays leaves and trees.
But nowadays, Jepara produces many kinds of antique stuffs
with versatile designs that have spread to international markets.
Have a peek for more of my woodcarving collection and get the catalog now!
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