There can be no better month than February to honor the Indonesian tradition of rendering folk art in pairs. This symbolic tribute to an ordered universe is best exemplified in Javanese sculpture, and most celebrated in the Loro Blonyo, sculptures that depict the inseparable pair – Dewi Sri, the goddess of fertility and the protector of the rice fields, and her consort Sedona.

Historically, these figures were presented on their own lavish bed, and so were affordable only by the aristocracy. During wedding ceremonies, they were replaced by the real bride and groom adorned in garments that replicated the home’s beloved Loro Blonyo.

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Our walls tell the story this month with an eclectic collection of hang-able folk-art. Combined, these paintings, weavings and architectural carvings offer a birds-eye-view into the past of what was once Dutch-Indonesia. Among our favorites: a pair of primitive storyboards, an ikat woven to document a bride’s dowry, and a Dayak “ship of souls” fiber textile. This is a fun and colorful collection that speaks for itself.

In our December gallery, we present the ceremony and myth behind our collection of masks.

From the divine to the demonic, these masks tell a story: recounting ancient Sanskrit epics and recalling tribal rites and rituals used to sustain life. Perhaps our favorite: a paddle mask from Timor worn to “save face” when anonymously “borrowing” from a neighbor’s crops.

Each mask is displayed amidst shaman or charm sticks, ancestor figures, stone guardians, or Wayang puppets that magically bring the mask to life.

Pictured here are two custom designed master bath vanities made of solid teak complimented with natural riverstone sinks from Joglo. The sinks were chosen to pair well scale-wise while maitaining their unique characteristics. Each vanity has two drawers and a slatted shelf beneath for bath accessories. Solid teak trim created to specification also compliments a built-in master tub surround.

A second component of the project for Joglo is a custom designed master king platform bed with matching nightstands; all solid teak with natural finish to match adjoining master bath fixtures. As these pieces are still in production on Bali, we’ll update with another post in early 2012.

Special thanks to our clients for sending photos and becoming long-distance friends in the process.

[Video Update 12-18-11]

Again, special thanks to our gracious clients…

This is the inspiration that we thrive upon where natural materials, old world charm and clean lines create a relaxing space. Thanks to our customer for sharing his project success.

Our September gallery represents a collection of sea-inspired pieces spanning the island shores of the Indian Ocean to the south and the Java Sea to the north.

The two seas are connected by the Lombok Straits between Bali and Lombok.  This is part of the boundary referred to as the Wallace Line, named after the man who first noted the striking differences between species present in Indo-Malaysia and those found in Australia

The ancient Balinese believed the ocean represented the underworld and the source of their demons. Across the Wallace line, in Lombak, the ocean is home to a female immortal whose status is equal to sainthood.

Folklore has it that wars were waged to compete for this beauty’s hand when she was merely a princess. To end the dispute, she threw herself into the sea. Here, she earned her immortality when her hair spawned thousands of colorful sea worms.

This month we are celebrating the Indonesian New Year and presenting our collection of Wayang Kulit puppets. Wayang is a generic term denoting traditional theatre in Indonesia. Wayang Kulit is a unique form of theatre employing light and shadow. The puppets are crafted from buffalo hide and mounted on sticks carved from animal bone or bamboo. When held up behind a piece of white cloth, with an electric bulb or an oil lamp as the light source, shadows are cast on the screen.

Wayang Kulit in Central Java is probably one of the oldest continuous traditions of storytelling in the world, and certainly among the most highly developed. Wayang Kulit plays are invariably based on romantic tales, especially adaptations of the classic epics, “The Mahabarata” and “The Ramayana”.  Some of the plays are also based on local happenings or other local secular stories. It is up to the conductor or “Tok Dalang” to decide his direction.

Sumba’s textiles are found in museums worldwide because they represent all that is collectable in the folk art realm. Woven to be ritually exchanged in life transforming ceremonies, each ikat is unique and contains blessings, and contributes to an oral tradition that spans generations. Only dyes that are naturally derived from local leaves, barks and roots are used, while all ikats are hand woven on a backstrap loom.

Sumba is home to one of the world’s last intact animistic cultures. The conquering Dutch, fearful of the unity among headhunting tribes, divided Sumba into districts. To this day, the old speak of the Tana Mema, the true land as existing before Dutch occupation, and the Tana Jawa, the foreign land as Sumba today. Sumba is one of the poorest islands in the archipelago because its only natural resource, sandalwood, was exploited due to trade.

The bath which they custom fabricated is accented with a handcarved stone relief from Joglo complete with hole for the spigot. We are always on the look out for distinctive accents such as these to create that spa-like atmosphere indoors and out.

Thanks to our customer for sharing the entire photo gallery of their cottage project – available to see at the store.

Thanks to our good friends from The Savory Table catering in Everett we collectively sponsored a wonderful evening of Indonesian inspired cocktails, cuisine and culture at Joglo in support of the Port Townsend Film Festival. This auctioned event for a party of eight featured Lychee Martinis to start followed by traditional Balinese and Javanese dishes and the main event Road To Bali, the 1952 classic starring Bing Crosby, Bob Hope and Dorothy Lamour shown in the teak comfort of our gallery. Special thanks to the generous auction patron for supporting PTFF and her fun group of invited girls for a unique night out.

Featured dishes included: Lemper Ayam (Rice Roll With Chicken Wrapped In Banana Leaf) • Sate Bebek (Lemongrass Duck Sate) • Asparagus Tumis Kepiting (Asparagus Crab Salad) • Babi Kecap (Braised Pork Belly With Balinese Spices) • Krupuk Udang (Shrimp Crackers) • Bubur Injin (Forbidden Black Rice Pudding With Mango) • Kue Lumpur (Small Coconut Cakes) • Kopi Bali (Balinese Coffee)