Lasem’s Batik Revival through the Revitalization of Arabic Calligraphy and Chinese Sinography

Abstract

. This study aims to map the motifs of Arabic calligraphy and Chinese sinography carried out by the Lasem batik production house. The data were collected from literature studies, interviews with the owner of Lasem batik, namely Sekar Kencana, to be analyzed using ATUMICS qualitative methods. Overall, it was found that the presence of motifs from Arabic calligraphy and Chinese sinography positively affected the value of Lasem batik produced. However, the integration of these two motifs has no significant effect on the increase in production and orders from consumers. In addition, this study found that the acculturation of several cultural elements can affect new target consumers who have multiethnic backgrounds. Most of the studies on Arabic calligraphy and Chinese sinography focus on religiosity, but less on its relationship to certain decorative motifs in batik. Therefore, this study contributes to the literature by examining the effect of Arabic calligraphy and Chinese sinography produced on the intangible value in Lasem batik.