Description
Lombok, Indonesia
This magnificent range of textiles is handwoven on backstrap looms in Pringgasela, a village in the foothills of Mount Rinjani on the island of Lombok, Indonesia. Pringgasela has been a traditional weaving village for generations. Their cloth has evolved over years with many changes in the style they produce. These textiles are some of the finest quality weaving found in Indonesia and their classic style easily crosses cultures and can fit into contemporary homes worldwide.
Natural Dyes
Beautiful soft tones as well as strong and vibrant colours are produced using only natural dyes. The process to produce strong colours that last is often a long one. It takes generations of local knowledge which is being lost with the popularity of chemical dyes.
The blue is made from indigo which is grown and harvested locally. It is first soaked in water mixed with lime powder. The lime reacts with the leaf and turns the water blue. It is them fermented for weeks to ensure the colour is strong and will remain in the cloth. Thread is then soaked in the dye mix, beaten with a wooden mallet to send the colour to the centre of the thread, dried, then the process repeats numerous time depending on the desired colour.
Red, yellow, brown, green and black are produced with various roots and leaves, sometimes mixed together for varying colour tones.