Central Javanese

Refers to the regional style of Central Java. Decorative arts and costumes of this region feature the use of teritik to outline motifs, textiles worn as headcloths, large ceremonial wraps and sashes, and kain kembangan floral and plaid motifs. The textile method of production known as ikat is used as a form of patterning in which portions or patterns of yarn are tied off to resist the dye. Court dress styles featured appliqué on imported silk textiles positioned over the plain central lozenge area of a breast-cloth and ceremonial wraps. In sculpture, the style features the earliest examples of stone monuments and candis, rare figures of Hindu deities, relief panels that depict rigid, clockwise narrative sequences, and Buddha statues seated on lion thrones. Religious sculptural programs were driven by the elitism of Buddhism, resulting in a preponderance of Buddhist iconography and art. Unlike styles in other regions of Java, this style has little tradition of inscribed stone images. In architecture, the style features stepped sanctuaries, truncated pyramid structures, and makara ornaments that adorn staircases.