Blue Perada Batik

19th c. This Perada batik is a good representation of the technique whereby  Javanese cotton batik is enhanced by the application of gold leaf or gold dust. The cotton base fabric has an indigo ground  with an overlay of gold leaf. The central motif  is geometric with star like markings while the border has interlocking floral and wave like designs. The sophisticated gold leafing creates an additional design over the initial base motif. The stiffness created by the gold is  perfect for a formal warp around. This textile most likely comes from the north coast of Java, since the the patterns are characteristic of these batik production centers.