Cenderawasih, The Magical

In the easternmost province of the Indonesian archipelago lies an untouched and thriving island full of magical flora and fauna called Papua. Here too lies Cenderawasih (the Bird of Paradise), a species native to this idyllic island. 

It was once thought to be a mythical animal from the heavens for its unspeakable beauty and colour, with majestic feathers in colours that can only be found in nature — an ombre of blues, yellows, reds and greens. Here, the bird is given a Javanese spin in naturally dyed sogan brown and indigo with vines and flowers in between. Eight birds – drawn with careful detail and precision – fill the entire span of this batik. This is one for the ages.