The style and creativity of Southeast Asian calligraphy wood carving

What is it about?

This paper analyses the diversity of the shapes and styles of woodcarving artworks in Southeast Asia, specifically in Jepara, Indonesia which is the center of woodcarving artwork production produced by exceptional art skills on beautiful and attractive woods. The artworks are created through a carving process with the use of specific carving equipment that is executed by talented and skillful engravers who have developed their talents and skills since their early days. Various models and patterns of calligraphy woodcarving were found in Jepara. That was spread to the entire archipelago not merely as woodcarvings for decoration and furniture, but they have been instigated as Islamic art in the forms of the pulpit, doors, palaces, offices, museums, schools, mosques, houses, and others. They had become the manifestation of artistic and aesthetic works that underlie local customs, traditions, arts, and cultures. Woodcarving has its model, style, symbol, and philosophy that reflect the life of individuals or society. Still, the creativity in its making represents the challenges, the opportunities, and the hopes. This study relies on the methodology of collecting data from the field investigation through the theory and practice of woodcarving art in Jepara.

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Photo by Mario La Pergola on Unsplash

Photo by Mario La Pergola on Unsplash

Why is it important?

The importance of this study is to elevate the creativity of the woodcarving art of the Southeast Asia and to preserve the local cultural heritage. And the outcomes of the research will present the analysis of the woodcarving calligraphies from Jepara as the primary producer of various engraving works in Indonesia, and become a scientific discourse that reveals the richness and legacy of Islamic calligraphy art in Southeast Asia.

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