“An effort to transfer creativity and knowledge into an exhibited collection in the spatial works – in the form of interior installations, not like a fabric exhibition. Where displaying becomes part of the interior in honoring the original value; to blend seamlessly into the existing space.”
Memuliakan Wastra: “Reconnection” is an attempt to recall and share the history through storytelling, with the hope that the title of ‘Memuliakan Wastra’ will be a forum for education and ever-growing development to remain relevant throughout time. A journery started from the production process, celebrate wastra as part of the Balinese people and passing the shared knowledge.
Taking responsibility for any sort of history which has first shaped the traditions in the society, especially Balinese society and communities. Likewise exactly to the MELATI DANES company has done for years and still, be engaged in the creative field as an interior design consultant. Presented as a take from the perspective of interior lenses through applications in the interior. Ranging features in the form of installations and photographs of several of our interior projects which are implementations of wastra, part of reserving culture on different media. To bring the story telling in one continuous line, we accompany every product with its ancient wastra, guiding the guests to seen the connections between and to its origin.
Wastra Collection at the Amandari Library
The Wastra Collection at the Amandari Library offers a captivating journey into Bali’s rich textile heritage, presented alongside the Textile Map of Bali. This detailed map illustrates the history and evolution of traditional Balinese fabrics across various regencies and regions, celebrating the diversity and artistry of wastra. The display features renowned textiles such as Patola, Geringsing, Prada, Songket, Ider-ider, and Batik, which have been cherished and utilized by Balinese ancestors for centuries. A highlight of the exhibit is the unique presentation of threads and Kain Bebali. These sacred textiles are creatively displayed in a contemporary style, blending traditional values with modern aesthetics. The collection serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Balinese artisanship and the cultural significance of textiles in preserving identity and tradition.
Wastra Collection at Amandari Foyer
The Wastra Collection at the Amandari Foyer begins with an installation of a traditional non-mechanical loom, showcasing the intricate process of weaving endek fabric. Two ornately designed tedung (ceremonial umbrellas) with modern ider-ider songket accents frame the space, adding a contemporary touch to these iconic symbols of Balinese ritual life. The foyer is also adorned with vibrant umbul-umbul featuring the mythical Naga Taksaka, a nod to Bali’s rich folk art traditions. As visitors proceed toward the boutique, they encounter displays of Geringsing, a sacred textile revered in Balinese culture, and the floral red laluhur, reminiscent of square canopies used in religious ceremonies. Complementing these is the lamak wayang depicting the tale of Subali and Sugriwa, an enchanting example of narrative storytelling in textile art.
Ascending toward the restaurant, the collection transitions to a display of Tabing Mintaraga, a stunning rectangular cloth traditionally hung on walls, portraying a single narrative scene from Balinese shadow puppetry. This particular tabing depicts the story of Mintaraga, showcasing the meditative journey of Arjuna, a beloved hero from the Mahabharata epic. These textiles, with their rich imagery and spiritual undertones, embody the essence of Balinese belief systems and artistic excellence. The Wastra Collection in the foyer seamlessly weaves together elements of folk art, ritual practice, and religious symbolism, offering a profound exploration of Bali’s cultural heritage.
Wastra Collection at Amandari Restaurant
The Wastra Collection at the Amandari Restaurant is beautifully symbolized through a circular installation, representing the circle of life in Balinese culture. This thoughtful display highlights the textiles traditionally used in Balinese Rites of Passage, showcasing their integral role in significant life ceremonies. Visitors can explore wastra associated with rituals such as telubulanin (three-month ceremony), otonan (birthday ceremony), menek kelih (coming of age), potong gigi (tooth filing), and weddings, all of which mark key milestones in a Balinese individual’s life.
The collection also pays homage to ancestral traditions with textiles dedicated to honoring the spirits of the ancestors. These are complemented by offerings such as pabuan (betel leaves, areca nuts, gambier, and tobacco) and gebogan (fruit arrangements), symbolizing devotion and gratitude. Together, these elements create a harmonious blend of artistry and spirituality, inviting diners to experience the depth and beauty of Bali’s cultural heritage through its timeless wastra.
