Textiles of Indonesia

From the Collections of TAI Gallery / Textile Arts

The Textiles of Indonesia

Textiles have been the medium of visual expression in Indonesia for centuries, and until recently remained a major form of communication. The thousands of islands that compose Indonesia have given home to unique cultural groups. Each island or area has a distinctive dress expressing it's religious ideas and social structure. As these forms have crystallized over the centuries, the manner of articulating them is concise and elegant. The techniques, frequently ikat or supplemental weaving, are utilized to their fullest potential.

Textiles from Indonesia remain bargains because they are little known outside of a few collectors. Fine rare material can still be obtained in the $10,000 - $20,000 price range, and many other choice pieces in the $800 - $10,000 range. Prices depend on the particular area of Indonesia, its availability and desirability to collectors.