World Class Jepara Carving Art Value

Since the 19th century, the Jepara city has been widely recognized as a famous area for producing furniture and carvings in Indonesia. This is proven by the appreciation from several groups both at home and abroad and declaring Jepara as an integrated area for producing furniture and carvings.

In the city of Jepara, the activities of carving and sculpting to produce furniture and carving works of art have become part of the culture, art, economy, social and politics that have long been formed and are difficult to separate from their historical roots.

Jepara furniture and carvings have a long history because the skills of artisan and carving are passed down from generation to generation. This habit also seems to be honed and developed following the development of increasingly advanced times, but the artistic spirit and skills possessed by these craftsmen seem to be firmly planted.

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However, as times change, the abilities that used to be self-taught are now being developed along with the increasing number of enthusiasts from within and outside the region and even abroad. Various educational institutions have been established to provide training in furniture, carving, and design techniques that are increasingly developing without leaving the characteristic richness of local art in the region itself.

The legend of a carver and painter from the time of King Brawijaya from the Majapahit Kingdom is told from generation to generation in the city of Jepara. It is so strong that the legend was instilled, so people believe it to be the early history of why this city is so famous for its carvings and its workers are so adept at creating this work of art.

It is said that Prabangkara, the painting and carving expert, was called by the King of Brawijaya to paint his wife naked as a form of the king's love. As a painter, he had to paint through his imagination without being allowed to see the empress naked.

Prabangkara did his job perfectly until the droppings of a lizard fell on the painting so that the painting of the empress had a mole. The king was very satisfied with Prabangkara's work, but when he saw the mole, the king became angry and accused Prabangkara of seeing the empress without clothes because the location of the mole was exactly the same as in reality.

Prabangkara was punished by being tied to a kite, flown, and then fell behind the mountain which is now named Mulyoharjo. Prabangkara then taught carving skills to the residents of Jepara and the carving skills of Jepara residents have survived until now.

Jepara carvings have existed since the time of Ratu Kalinyamat's reign around 1549. The Queen's daughter named Retno Kencono has a big role in the development of the art of carving. In this era, the art of carving is developing very rapidly, coupled with the presence of a minister named Sungging Badarduwung who comes from Campa and is very skilled in the art of carving. Meanwhile, the area behind the mountain is said to have a group of carvers who serve the carving needs of the royal family.

Every day this group grows more and more because their neighboring villages also learn to carve. However, after the death of Ratu Kali Nyamat, their development stopped if they were not called stagnant and only developed later in the era of Kartini, a heroine who was born in Jepara.

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Raden Ajeg Kartini's role in the development of carving is very large. He saw the life of the carving craftsmen who did not move out of poverty and this really bothered him. He then summoned several craftsmen from the area behind the Mountain to jointly make carvings such as sewing coffins, small tables, figures, jewelry boxes, and other souvenir items, which were then sold by Raden Ajeng Kartini to Semarang and Batavia (now Jakarta), so that Finally, it was discovered the quality of this carving art from Jepara.

Orders also came in a lot and the production of Jepara carving craftsmen also increased in variety. Meanwhile, Raden Ajeng Kartini began to introduce Jepara carving art to foreign countries by giving various souvenirs to his friends abroad. All sales of these goods after deducting the cost of production, the money is left in full to the craftsmen who can increase the standard of living for those who are engaged in this field.

Characteristics of Jepara Carving

Jepara carvings have characteristics that indicate that the carvings originated from Jepara or not through the patterns and motifs. The motif that is very famous from the carving of this area is the Trubusan Leaf which consists of two kinds. First, the leaves that come out of the stalk of the niche. Second, the leaves that come out of the branches or joints.

Jepara carvings can also be seen from the Jumbai motif where the leaves will open like a fan and then the ends are tapered. And also there are three or four seeds coming out of the base of the leaf. In addition, one of its distinctive features is the niche stalk that rotates in an elongated and creeping force to form small branches to fill the space and beautify it. These characteristics are sufficient to represent the identity of Jepara carving.

Jepara carvings have the characteristic of being accommodative to maintain balance and harmony in the environment in the general public. This becomes very important because the Javanese people prioritize harmony in their daily life. The art of Jepara carving is also a medium to show an attitude and personality, for example: carvings in coastal areas are more open.

Jepara carvings in the form of furniture and other carving art are of no doubt of their quality both at home and abroad. Apart from using high quality materials such as teak and other types of wood that have proven quality.

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Jepara carvings made of teak wood, can last well for more than 20 years. In addition, teak wood has a smoother texture, sharper fiber, and a more uniform color than other types of wood. Although the price of Jepara furniture is relatively more expensive but with high quality and class, the price is comparable to its high artistic value.

The biggest challenge with wood carving products is the level of resistance to water and attack by termites or moths. One thing that makes the quality of Jepara carvings one of the best is the natural oil content that makes Jepara carving products such as furniture or furniture waterproof and termite attack.

And, the most important thing is that besides good quality, the quality of Jepara carvings has a flat surface and is not wavy on the furniture or furniture as a result of its production. This will give the room a luxurious feel and make it suitable for all decorating styles whether it is a minimalist, classic or modern neo-classic touch, Jepara carvings will still look elegant as one touch of an impressive traditional style.

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