Yellow Lasem Batik with French Silk Velvet Cushion

This exquisite 45 cm x 45 cm cushion showcases the artistry of Lasem Batik from Central Java, Indonesia, featuring authentic hand-drawn batik fabric in vibrant yellow and brown tones on the front. Crafted using traditional wax-resist techniques, the intricate patterns celebrate Lasem’s rich heritage and its centuries-old reputation for bold, expressive batik designs. The back is finished with luxurious French silk velvet, offering a sumptuous contrast of texture and sheen. This cushion is a sophisticated fusion of Indonesian craftsmanship and European elegance, perfect for adding a striking accent to any interior.

Each cushion is made to order, allowing time for careful craftsmanship and attention to detail. Your piece will be ready for shipping within 15 working days of your order date.

It is a perfect, unique gift for you or the ones you cherish most. We invite you to place your order now.

Dimensions: 45 cm x 45cm. High-quality insert included. Materials used for the front of the cushion: Hand-drawn cotton made by artisans. Materials used for the back of the cushion: French silk velvet. All of our cushions are made in Paris, France. Specialised dry clean only.
SKU: BLV001

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Lasem, a historic coastal town in East Java, is renowned for its specific contribution to Indonesian textile history through Batik Lasem, often referred to as Batik Tiga Negeri (Batik of Three Realms). This title reflects a complex, historical production method in which a single cloth travelled to different regions to receive its iconic colours: the deep, unforgettable gethuk red (reminiscent of dragon's blood), masterfully dyed in Lasem; the rich indigo of Kudus or Pekalongan; and the earthy sogan brown of Solo or Jogjakarta. The aesthetic language of Lasem batik is a visual dialogue between Chinese immigrants and indigenous Javanese artisans, interweaving imperial Chinese motifs like the phoenix (lok can), peonies, and dragons with classic Javanese geometric arrangements.
The execution of these cloths demanded extraordinary patience, as the wax application required ultra-fine lines to delineate the dense foliage and symbolic creatures that fill every inch of the fabric. Lasem textiles held deep social significance, acting as protective family heirlooms and essential components of traditional wedding dowries for both Peranakan (Straits Chinese) and Javanese families. The enduring intensity of the Lasem red dye, derived from secret recipes involving local mineral compositions and botanical agents, remains unmatched in textile arts. This hybrid heritage of bold symbolism and intense pigmentation yields striking textiles that infuse luxury cushions with a vibrant storytelling quality and a sophisticated global aesthetic.

The folklore of Lasem tells the moving story of Bi Nang Un and Na Li Ni, a pioneering Chinese couple who arrived on the shores of Java during the early Ming Dynasty voyages. Bi Nang Un was a skilled navigator and scholar, while Na Li Ni possessed an extraordinary talent for classical Chinese embroidery and textile arts. Upon settling in the fertile lands of Lasem, they did not isolate themselves within their community but instead shared their artistic knowledge with the indigenous Javanese population. Their marriage was a partnership of mutual respect and shared creative vision, admired by the local community as a model of marital harmony and cultural collaboration.

Na Li Ni integrated local Javanese floral elements into her textile designs while teaching local women new methods of colour fixing and fine-line drawing, effectively laying the groundwork for what would become Lasem’s signature hybrid batik. When Bi Nang Un passed away, Na Li Ni remained dedicated to their adopted home, continuing to nurture both her family and the communal workshops they had founded together. Their legendary love story is preserved not merely in words but within the very DNA of Lasem’s textiles, serving as a reminder that family and community legacy are forged through shared artistry and devotion.