This document provides information about wood carving motifs and techniques in Indonesia, with a focus on Jepara. It begins with background on Indonesia's history, culture, and wood carving motifs from different regions. It then discusses simple, moderate, and complex motif designs. The document presents a case study on Jepara, describing its history and importance for wood carving. Specific techniques used in Jepara include carving teak wood boxes featuring lotus motifs. Teak wood and tools like chisels and hammers are the primary materials used for wood carving in Jepara.

1. NURUL AQILA AHAMAD KAMAL1412832
2ND YEAR CONSERVATION DESIGN
LECTURER : ASST. PROF. DR. SHAMZANI AFFENDY
INDONESIA

2. INDONESIA
CONTENTS PAGE
1.0 INDONESIA
1.1 INTRODUCTION 1
1.2 HISTORY 2
1.3 CULTURE AND ARTS 3-4
2.0 MOTIF IN INDONESIA
2.1 CARVING MOTIF OF VARIOUIS DESIGN 5-7
2.2.1 SIMPLE MOTIF DESIGN 8
2.2.2 MODERATE MOTIF DESIGN 9
2.2.3 COMPLEX MOTIF DESIGN 10
3.0 CASE STUDY: JEPARA, INDONESIA
3.1. BACKGROUND STUDY 11-13
3.2. WOOD CARVING IN JEPARA 14
3.2. WOOD BOX IN JEPARA 15
4.0. MATERIAL 16
5.0 METHODS 17-18
6.0 TECHNIQUES 19-28
7.0 APPLICATIONS 29-31
8.0. CONCLUSIONS 32
9.0. REFERENCES 33-35

3. INDONESIA
1.0 INDONESIA

4. INDONESIA
1.1 INTRODUCTION
i. Indonesia history has been shaped by distinct and interesting
geographical composition and location; the extensive archipelago sits
between the Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean in Southeast Asia south of
the Philippines. Historically it was called the West Indies.
Figure 1.1.1 Indonesia (Dark Green) / ASEAN
except Indonesia (Dark Grey)
Source: Indonesia Map,2009
ii. It is in a position alongside important sea
routes spanning the Indian to the Pacific
Ocean. This fact is an important one when
discussing Indonesian culture and its
considerable diversity, which has, to a great
extent, been molded by the setting.
1

5. INDONESIA
i. Both Hinduism and Buddhism arrived from India around the 1st century,
with the earliest Hindu influences evident in the 4th century in Java. Islam
arrived via traders coming in from Gujarat in India circa the 11th
century, surpassing both aforementioned religions by the 16th century.
Figure 1.2.1 Temple, Indonesia, Bali, Architecture
Source: Traveljunkiediary, 2011
ii. At the same time, the Portuguese
traveled to and from Lisbon
dominating the spice trade and
simultaneously warring over coveted
routes with the British, Dutch, and
Indonesians.
1.2 HISTORY
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6. INDONESIA
i. Indonesia’s rich and varied blend of art and cultures includes wayang
kulit, shadow puppet plays popular throughout Indonesia history and
favored most in Bali.
Figure 1.3.1 Culture and arts of Indonesia
Source: Destination 360.2013
ii. In Indonesia history
sculptures have great
importance; these megaliths
are located in Sumatra,
Sulawesi, and Java in
important archeological sites
where distinct tribal sculpting
styles are evident, most
depicting animals, ancestors,
and deities.
1.3 CULTUREANDARTS
“Traditionalbatiks are also integral to Indonesian culture and depict
the conceptualization of the universe through colors representing Hindu
Gods.”
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7. INDONESIA
Figure 1.3.3 Batik Indonesia
Source: Destination 360, 2013
Figure 1.3.2 Stone sculpture on ntrance door of
Pura Padmasana Puja Mandala NusaDua Bali,
Indonesia.
Source: Master, 2007
Figure 1.3.4 Gregg Karukas performance in
Java Jazz Festival,
Source: Rough Guides, 2008
“The Javanese are the largest of any ethnic group in Indonesia,
numbering around 85 million. Most call themselves Muslims with
ancestors known to be aptly migratory, traveling to everywhere in
the region over centuries, including Madagascarand the
Philippines.”
4
1.3 CULTUREANDARTS

8. INDONESIA
2.0 MOTIF IN INDONESIA

9. INDONESIA
Indonesia is very rich in culture and the arts are widespread ranging
from Sabang to Merauke and one of them is the art of carving.
There are several areas in Indonesia which has the craft of wood
carving that each region has its own characteristics.
Figure 2.1.1 Motif Majapahit
Source: Adjiekuswanto, 2015
2.1 CARVING MOTIVEOF VARIOUSREGIONS
Motif Majapahit is one motif that comes from the
island of Java and the most famous is the
motif derived from Jepara. All form of the motifs
in the forms of leaves, flowers and fruit-
shaped curved concave and convex.
Therefore, the characteristics of Majapahit
motive remained largely a combination of
concave and convex shapes.
5
2.1.1MOTIFCARVINGFROMJAVA

10. INDONESIA
Figure 2.1.2 Motif Bali
Source: Desyamaliayusri, 2015
One result of the sculpture comes from the island
of Sulawesi and also including the most famous is
the carving Toraja. As a result of the cultural
heritage, each motif Toraja describes specific
meaning of an object or shape for the life of
the local community.
6
2.1.3CARVINGMOTIVEFROMSULAWESI
2.1.2CARVINGMOTIFFROMBALI
Figure 2.1.2 Motif Bali
Source: Desyamaliayusri, 2015
Bali motif is one of the traditional motifs that
are growing rapidly in the archipelago.
The motif derived from Bali as well as the
motif of Majapahit, namely the motive
tweezers, simbar, poster, benangan and
fractions

11. INDONESIA
Figure 2.1.5 Motif Borneo
Source: Adinandra, 2015
One of the most famous motifs carved from
the island of Borneo is motif of Dayak
Lundayeh or better known as the Lun
Bawang community in East Kalimantan.
7
2.1.5MOTIFCARVEBORNEO
2.1.4CARVINGMOTIFOFMINANGKABAU
Figure 2.1.4 Motif Minangkabau
Source: Desyamaliayusri, 2015
One well-known motifs carved on the island
of Sumatra is the motif derived from West
Sumatra, the motif of Sumatra usually
abundant in some parts of the house
Tower.

12. INDONESIA
Lotus or waterlily is a symbol of the depth of meaning in
Buddhism . Lotus grows shining and has beautiful and
stunning color, even when it is put on the dirty and muddy
water . Lotus has become a symbol of beauty, peace , and
the greatness of the natural color of God’s creation or the
Supreme of Peace.
Figure 2.2.1.i Lotus Motif
Source: LotusIndo, 2012
2.2 MOTIFCHARACTERISATION
2.2.1SIMPLEMOTIFDESIGN
Flower motif are commonly use in indonesia by muslim
community. Not only it is beautiful but also easy to
match the motif with other patterns.
Figure 2.2.1.ii Culture and arts
of Indonesia
Source: Bali Carving ,2009
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13. INDONESIA
This wood plate are using the leaf design. This
design are usually use as the decoration on the
house.
Figure 2.2.2.i Leaf Plate decoration
Source: Decoration, 2006.
2.2 MOTIFCHARACTERISATION
2.2.2MODERATEMOTIFDESIGN
Leaf motif combined with the flower
are really beautiful but it is a bit tricky to
make as its hard to achieved the harmony
in the design.
Figure 2.2.2.ii Flower leaf
Source: Teak Carving, 2006
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14. INDONESIA
This wood using a lotus motif with the embossed
techniques. This motif are complex as the petals
might be broken if the carver are not careful.
Figure 2.2.3.i Embossed Lotus
Source: LotusIndo, 2012
2.2 MOTIFCHARACTERISATION
2.2.3COMPLEXMOTIFDESIGN
This flower motif are difficult to make as it
pierced through the wood.
Figure 2.2.3.ii Pierced wood
Source: Bali Carving, 2009
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15. INDONESIA
3.0 CASE STUDY: JEPARA, INDONESIA

16. INDONESIA
i. Jepara is a small town in the province of Central Java, Indonesia.
Jepara is on the north coast of Java, north-east of Semarang, not far
from Mount Muria. It is also the main town of the district of Jepara,
which has a population of about 1 million.
Figure 3.1.1 Jepara Monument near the city square
Source: Kota Jepara, 2011
ii. Jepara is also known for the Javanese
teak wood carving art. Jepara is known
for its furniture industry, notably the teak
furniture. The industry employs
approximately 80,000 people, working in
a large number of mainly small
workshops”
“The populationis almost entirely Javanese and over 98%
Muslim. “
3.1 BACKGROUND STUDY
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17. INDONESIA
3.1 BACKGROUND STUDY
Figure 3.1.2
Behind the scene of
Jepara fishermen
resting
Source: BaksoBakso,
2009
12

18. INDONESIA
Figure 3.1.3 Bangunan kura-
kura raksasa
Source: Theparkblog, 2012
3.1 BACKGROUND STUDY
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19. INDONESIA
i. Wood carving centers in Jepara are located in almost all of the sub
districts in the Jepara regency. Dozens of showrooms, that are also
able to apply finishing touches to wood carvings, are available in the city
center, especially along Jalan Tahunan.
Figure 3.2.1 Shape of leaf-shape carving.
Source: Japare History, 1650
ii. Characteristics of General and
Special Motif in Jepara: Shape leaf-shape
carving on motif are triangular and oblique.
iii. Forms Motif in Jepara: Principal Leaf,
Interest and Fruit, Fractions,
Description: Carving Jepara motif is mostly
pedestal or essentially made ​​not so deep
3.2 WOOD CARVING IN JEPARA
14

20. INDONESIA
iii. This is a handcraft of wooden box made of teak wood. The
carving are based on the lotus motif as the motif are widely used in
Indonesia. The motif symbolize the image of purity as it is use as the
decoration on a jewelry box for woman.
Figure 3.3.1 Jepara woodbox
Source: Kota Jepara,2011
3.3 WOOD BOX IN JEPARA
iv. Teak wood has a leather-like
smell when it is freshly milled.
Teak timber is particularly
valued for its durability and
water resistance, and is used for
boat building, exterior
construction, veneer, furniture,
carving, turnings, and other
small wood projects.
Figure 3.3.2 Woodbox using teak wood.
Source: Kota Jepara,2011
15

21. INDONESIA
Figure 4.0.3 Teak wood
Source: CarvingYou,2011
i. Woodwork tools:
-Chisel Set: Make sure
the chisel set are suitable
with the wood condition.
-Hammer: Use a wood
carving hammer.
-Teak wood: Cut into
pieces.
4.0 MATERIALS
Figure 4.0.1 Chisel Set
Source: CarvingYou,2011
Figure 4.0.2 Wood
Carving Hammer
Source: CarvingYou,2011
16

22. INDONESIA
i. The method used are basic where it consists of chiseled work,
smoothing, joining. Teak wood is a bit smooth so it is important to work
the carving slowly.
Figure 5.0.1:
The wood
carving studio at
Jepara.
Source: Jepara Wood,
2012
5.0 METHOD
Figure 5.0.2
Estimate the
length of the
intended wood
carving.
Source: Jepara Wood,
2012
Figure 5.0.3 Carve the wood based on the
estimations before.
Source: Jepara Wood, 2012
17

23. INDONESIA
ii. Teak wood carving are usually most produced in Jepara as most
people that mastered in the carving are origin from there. The most
famous work from the Jepara are furniture.
5.0 METHOD
Figure 5.0.4 The chiseled must be angled
correctly.
Source: Jepara Wood, 2012
Figure 5.0.5 Use the wood carved hammer
to help to carve the wood easier.
Source: Jepara Wood, 2012
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24. INDONESIA
Figure 6.0.1
The wood are measured by using the ruler
correctly so that the products are even.
Source: Mariusz Płaszczyk, 2015
6.0 TECHNIQUES
Figure 6.0.2
The wood are cut using a cutting machine.
Source: Mariusz Płaszczyk, 2015
The techniques on making the wood box:
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25. INDONESIA
6.0 TECHNIQUES
Figure 6.0.3
Wood glue are put on the wood that has
been cut for joining purpose.
Source: Mariusz Płaszczyk, 2015
Figure 6.0.4
The two side of the boxare joined
Source: Mariusz Płaszczyk, 2015
20

26. INDONESIA
6.0 TECHNIQUES
Figure 6.0.5
The sides are combined together with
glue.
Source: Mariusz Płaszczyk, 2015
Figure 6.0.6
Clamp were put at the down and top
part of the box to arrange the structure
of the box
Source: Mariusz Płaszczyk, 2015
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27. INDONESIA
6.0 TECHNIQUES
Figure 6.0.7
Top part of the boxare glued.
Source: Mariusz Płaszczyk, 2015
Figure 6.0.8
Pressure are placed on top of the box
to make sure the box stick together
Source: Mariusz Płaszczyk, 2015
22

28. INDONESIA
6.0 TECHNIQUES
Figure 6.0.9
The side of the boxare smoothen using a
sander.
Source: Mariusz Płaszczyk, 2015
Figure 6.0.10
A pieces of wood veneer are cut for the
layer of the box
Source: Mariusz Płaszczyk, 2015
23

29. INDONESIA
6.0 TECHNIQUES
Figure 6.0.11
The pieces of different wood venner are
glued to the boc and were clamp to
make sure it stick to the box.
Source: Mariusz Płaszczyk, 2015
Figure 6.0.12
The excessive pieces of wood veneer
from the box
Source: Mariusz Płaszczyk, 2015
24

30. INDONESIA
6.0 TECHNIQUES
Figure 6.0.13
The box that layered by the wood
veneer then are smoothen by sanding
maching.
Source: Mariusz Płaszczyk, 2015
Figure 6.0.14
The box then are cut into two part.
Source: Mariusz Płaszczyk, 2015
25

31. INDONESIA
6.0 TECHNIQUES
Figure 6.0.15
The initials are carved on the small part
of metal at the side of the box.
Source: Mariusz Płaszczyk, 2015
26
Figure 6.0.16
The box are layered by oil teak for
finishing and preservation.
Source: Mariusz Płaszczyk, 2015

32. INDONESIA
6.0 TECHNIQUES
Figure 6.0.17
Small hole are made to put a pieces of
magnet for joining purpose.
Source: Mariusz Płaszczyk, 2015
27
Figure 6.0.18
The magnet are placed into the small
hole and hammered.
Source: Mariusz Płaszczyk, 2015

33. INDONESIA
6.0 TECHNIQUES
Figure 6.0.19
The two of the box then are combined.
Source: Mariusz Płaszczyk, 2015
28
Figure 6.0.20
The box is finished.
Source: Mariusz Płaszczyk, 2015

34. INDONESIA
i. The carving that applied on the wooden box are usually using floral
motif as it is most easier and look beautiful most on small things.
Figure 7.1.1.i Tool Box, H:12cm
Source: Ancient Point, 2012
ii. The carver at the Jepara studio
that really like wood work made
this box to keep his precious tools
that inherited from generation
before.2
iii. The box are divided into a few
parts to make it easier to store the
tools.
7.0APPLICATIONS
7.1 TOOLBOX
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35. INDONESIA
i. The box are using the leaf motif as to give a natural feeling.
The wood are half carved and polished with shelex to make the
box are long lasting.
Figure 7.1.2.i Top part of the Capital Carved Chest
Source: Catawiki, 2009
ii. The old people from Japera
usually keep their precious items
such as family legacy things in
the wooden box that has to be
opened by key.
7.0APPLICATIONS
7.2 HERITAGE BOX
30

36. INDONESIA
i. The box are using the leaf motif
with a flower on the middle. This
box is a bit special as it use inlay
techniques. Its design are a bit
influences from China.
ii. This box usually made as a
present to the precious one and to
said that it to hold memories for
Jepara people.
Figure 7.1.3.i Music Box from Jepara
Source: Variety of Usage Box, 2009
7.0APPLICATIONS
7.3 MUSIC BOX
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37. INDONESIA
• Indonesia wood carving has been known internationally for it beauty
and superiority both in materials and art. Undeniably, as one of
high-earning export items of the country, woodcarving is very
important in Indonesia.
• The tradition of wood carving are supposed to be preserved as it
holds a legacy to the new generation.
• The carved wooden box are really a precious item in Jepara as its
function to store precious things to people there and it is important
to preserve it as a heritage.
8.0 CONCLUSIONS
32

38. INDONESIA
Books/ Articles/Journal
i. Witton, Patrick (2003). Indonesia (7th edition). Melbourne: Lonely Planet. pp. 259–260.
ISBN 1-74059-154-2.
ii. Ricklefs, M.C. (1991). A History of Modern Indonesia since c.1300, 2nd Edition. London:
MacMillan. p. 38. ISBN 0-333-57689-6.
iii. Ekhtiar, Maryam, Sheila Canby, Navina Haidar, and Priscilla P. Soucek, ed.Masterpieces
from the Department of Islamic Art in The Metropolitan Museum of Art. New York, 2011.
no. 16, p. 39, ill. p. 39 (color).
9.0 REFERENCES
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39. INDONESIA
Websites
i. Jepara Overview .(2014) , Tourism of Indonesia, Ministry of Indonesia , Retrieved from
Indonesia Travel http://indonesia.travel/en/destination/819/jepara (11.30 pm. 05
November 2015)
ii. Traditional Wood Carving for Wall, Furniture, and other Home Decoration (2005).
Retrieved from SMESKI, INC http://smeski.com/traditional-wood-carving-for-wall-
furniture-and-other-home-decoration (11.50 pm. 05 November 2015)
iii. Sejarah Seni Ukir Indonesia (2011), Retrieved from Galeri Wisata http://galeri-
wisata.blogspot.my/p/sejarah-seni-ukir-indones.html (11.55 pm. 05 November 2015)
iv. Keunikan Karya Seni Ukir/Pahat Di Indonesia (2013), Retrieved from Alghiacil
http://alghiacil.blogspot.my/2013/11/keunikan-karya-seni-ukirpahat-di.html
(02.55 am. 06 November 2015)
9.0 REFERENCES
34

40. INDONESIA
Websites
v. Motif Seni Ukir Nusantara , Nanang Ajim (2015), Retrieved from Mikirbae
http://www.mikirbae.com/2015/01/motif-seni-ukir-nusantara.html
(8.04 am. 06 November 2015)
vi. Seni Ukur Kayu Indonesia, Warisan Berharga Budaya Bangsa (2014), Retrieved from
Anne Ahira http://www.anneahira.com/seni-ukir-kayu.htm
(9.00 am. 06 November 015)
vii. How It's Made - Kotak Kayu Cantik (2014) Retrieved from MediaKWVT
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppFDvQD3Rss (9.30p m. 06 November 2015)
9.0 REFERENCES
35