Batik Nyah Kiok: Centuries of legacy continues…
Batik Tulis Lasem Nyah Kiok is one of the several remaining batik “pesisir” artisans in Lasem today. Liem Kiok Nio, better known as Nyah Kiok, passed away in 2009 and it was not until early 2024 that Batik Nyah Kiok was revived by her eldest child, Sulistyono, who is determined to revitalise Nyah Kiok's work and that of her ancestors' while preserving the uniqueness of fine batik Lasem. This includes adhering to the traditional craftsmanship and dyeing techniques passed down since the 1920s, a 25-step process that takes around three months to complete.
According to family history, Nyah Kiok’s father, Liem Tjhing Hwat, journeyed through three iconic batik regions in Central Java—Lasem, Pekalongan, and Solo—gathering the distinct colour each locale was famous for. These recipes, passed down through generations, are believed to have enriched the family’s batik practice, believed to have dated back several centuries.
Lasem, an ancient town flourished as a batik-producing region on the island of Java in the early 20th century, known for its nature-inspired patterns and mythical motifs, bearing witness to the cultural fusion of Javanese and Chinese influences, which have assimilated over hundreds of years.
These designs are Nyah Kiok’s original patterns and drawings, hidden from the world for nearly two decades. Now, we are breathing life back into each timeless motif, one fabric at a time, rekindling her legacy with every brushstroke and dye…
Kembang Sepatu
Motif
This design is a graceful tribute to nature and tradition. It seamlessly weaves the elegance of the hibiscus with the mythical Burung Hong—the Chinese phoenix—an enduring symbol of luck and sophistication. Kembang Sepatu stands as one of the eight original designs recently revived from Nyah Kiok’s archives, rediscovered through her preserved drawing templates.
The design’s predominantly white base offers a simple yet striking aesthetic, where the infamous Lasem red takes centre stage, harmonising with deep blues, greens, and yellows. The subtle drooping red lines lend the piece a sense of tradition, infusing depth and complexity into what initially appears as a minimalistic pattern.
Crafting this white-base batik is no simple task. To maintain the purity of the white, artisans must meticulously cover every area intended to remain uncoloured, adding an extra layer of precision to the process. Contrary to appearances, this makes Kembang Sepatu as intricate and challenging to create as its more colourful counterparts—embodying the balance of simplicity and sophistication that defines Batik Nyah Kiok’s legacy.
Starting from IDR 4.5mio
Fabric: Primissima
Dimension: 250 x 115 cm*
Suitable for sarong or tailored dress
Not recommended for shirt
*Please note that the fabric dimensions provided are approximate and may vary
Burung Merak
Motif
A true embodiment of elegance, Burung Merak features four majestic peacocks gracefully fanning their vibrant, mesmerising feathers. Arranged in a subtly symmetrical composition, these peacocks exude a refined beauty that feels both effortless and captivating. Nyah Kiok’s artistic touch shines through in the intricate feather patterns, which sweep across the batik cloth, creating a sense of movement and drama.
Set against a predominantly white background, the design is adorned with floral motifs, evoking the charm of a blooming garden—the natural habitat where peacocks are often found in quiet splendour. The combination of birds and blossoms brings both harmony and sophistication to the piece, making it a visual celebration of nature’s grace.
Despite its seemingly simple appearance, crafting this white-base batik is a labor-intensive process. To preserve the pristine white areas, artisans must carefully apply wax to every section meant to remain uncolored, a painstaking step that demands precision and patience. This dedication to detail ensures that Burung Merak reflects the timeless artistry of Batik Nyah Kiok, balancing simplicity with intricacy in perfect harmony.
Fabric: Primissima
Dimension: 250 x 115 cm*
Suitable for sarong or tailored dress
Not recommended for shirt
*Please note that the fabric dimensions provided are approximate and may vary
Starting from IDR 5mio
This intricate masterpiece blends a symphony of motifs and patterns, with vibrant floral bouquets serving as the heart of the design. Surrounding them are complementary elements, including latohan—a sea vegetable native to Lasem’s coastal waters—and the graceful swirls of suketan motifs, creating a harmonious tapestry that celebrates nature in its fullness.
The colour palette is bold and lively, featuring layers of red, blue, yellow, and green. Each hue is applied meticulously in distinct stages, showcasing the mastery required for such a complex creation. This multi-step process demands patience and precision, making every piece a labor of love.
To complete the design, a final touch of sogan brown is added. Rather than softening the bright palette, this warm tone enhances the elegance, imbuing the piece with a classic charm that reflects the heritage of Batik Lasem. The result is a perfect balance of vibrancy and tradition, encapsulating the essence of Batik Nyah Kiok’s timeless artistry.
Boketan
Sekar Jagat
Motif
Fabric: Primissima
Dimension: 250 x 115 cm*
Suitable for sarong or tailored dress
Suitable for tailored short and long-sleeved shirt
*Please note that the fabric dimensions provided are approximate and may vary
Starting from IDR 6mio
Gunung Ringgit
Pring (Premium)
Motif
This design highlights the Gunung Ringgit, or “Mountain of Money” motif, covering the fabric in intricate patterns symbolizing prosperity. Complementing it are Burung Hong—Chinese phoenixes—adding life and movement as they hover gracefully around pring (bamboo) motifs.
In this piece, the phoenixes are depicted with shorter tail feathers, suggesting they represent the male species. The blend of bamboo, phoenix, and Gunung Ringgit creates a dynamic yet balanced composition, reflecting both strength, elegance, and prosperity.
During the business’ decline in recent decades since Nyah Kiok’s passing in 2009, Gunung Ringgit Pring had been the only design produced, carrying the torch of our batik heritage through difficult times. The pattern became a symbol of resilience and continuity. Now this motif revitalised with care and precision, following the original drawings and colour recipes documented by Nyah Kiok’s father-a treasured buku kelir, or “colour bible” rediscovered in our archives, restoring the elegance and depth it once embodies.
Starting from IDR 4.5mio
Fabric: Primissima
Dimension: 250 x 115 cm*
Suitable for sarong or tailored dress
Suitable for tailored short or long sleeved shirt
*Please note that the fabric dimensions provided are approximate and may vary
Kembang Lompong
Dapur Umum
Motif
A pinnacle of complexity and craftsmanship, this design merges various traditional motifs native to Batik Lasem, renowned for its intricate artistry and rich cultural heritage. At the heart of the design are four vibrant Boketan Kembang Lompong flower bouquets, skilfully arranged against a dark backdrop that enhances their vivid presence. The interplay between the bouquets and background creates a striking illusion of depth, making the flowers appear as if they are blossoming off the cloth.
The dark backdrop is elegantly filled with latohan patterns—delicate, curling shapes that add texture and fluidity to the design. These intricate motifs not only complement the floral elements but also create a sense of balance, adding subtle movement without overwhelming the composition.
The colour palette is equally captivating, led by a soft yet enigmatic yellow that lends the design a sense of quiet sophistication. Accents of deep Lasem red weave through the pattern, adding warmth and contrast, resulting in a piece that feels both refined and dynamic. Kembang Lompong Dapur Umum embodies the spirit of timeless elegance, a harmonious blend of artistry and tradition—true to the essence of Batik Nyah Kiok.
Fabric: Primissima
Dimension: 250 x 115 cm*
Suitable for sarong or tailored dress
Not recommended for shirt
*Please note that the fabric dimensions provided are approximate and may vary
Starting from IDR 9mio
Burung Hong
Gunung Ringgit
Motif
A true emblem of Batik Nyah Kiok, Burung Hong Gunung Ringgit weaves together two deeply meaningful motifs—the elegant Burung Hong and the revered Gunung Ringgit. This design, rich in cultural significance, represents both beauty and prosperity, embodying the spirit of Lasem’s batik tradition.
At its heart soars the Burung Hong, the Chinese phoenix - a mythical bird embodying grace, renewal, and good fortune. The phoenixes, with their long, flowing feathers, suggest the presence of female birds, flaunting their beauty in display of elegance. This majestic creature has long been a hallmark of Batik Nyah Kiok, representing sophistication and timeless quality that defines our artistry.
The backdrop features the Gunung Ringgit motif—literally, the “Mountain of Money.” Beyond its literal meaning, this pattern reflects hopes for abundance and prosperity. It was a popular motif in traditional batik, often worn to attract wealth and success. Here, it provides the perfect setting for the phoenix to soar, blending heritage and artistry into a stunning composition that reflects the legacy of our family’s craft.
The result is a masterpiece of intricate patterns and vibrant hues, more exclusive than ever. Burung Hong Gunung Ringgit stands as the signature of Batik Nyah Kiok, blending tradition, mythology, and elegance into a work of art that celebrates both the past and the future.
Fabric: Primissima
Dimension: 250 x 115 cm
Suitable for sarong or tailored dress
Not recommended for shirt
*Please note that the fabric dimensions provided are approximate and may vary
Starting from IDR 4.5mio
Burung Hong
Gunung Ringgit (Sarong)
Motif
This design reimagines the classic Burung Hong Gunung Ringgit series. At its core is the graceful Burung Hong, symbolising elegance and renewal, with the Gunung Ringgit motif—representing prosperity—forming the backdrop.
In this version, Nyah Kiok replaced part of the Gunung Ringgit backdrop with the floral Sekar Jagat motif with black or dark emerald green base. Available only in sarong size, this piece reflects a seamless blend of tradition and innovation, staying true to Batik Nyah Kiok’s legacy.
Starting from IDR 5.5mio
Fabric: Primissima
Dimension: 220 x 115 cm
Suitable for sarong or tailored dress
Not recommended for shirt
*Please note that the fabric dimensions provided are approximate and may vary
