Title
Coffin cover with stylised Islamic calligraphy
mid 20th century
Artists
Unknown Artist
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Details
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About
Large calligraphic batiks known as 'kerudung' (literally, 'shroud') function as covers for coffins during funerary rituals, as well as ceremonial hangings and banners. Men wear smaller examples wrapped around the head or draped over the shoulders.
Muslims believe that the written word is God's word and therefore calligraphy is considered one of the highest art forms. It decorates and enhances an object's significance. It also confers protection. A predominant motif on this cloth is calligraphy in the form of birds arranged around lozenges. The stylised inscriptions along the edge of the cloth are from the Qur'an and read 'There is no God, but God.'
Asian Art Department, AGNSW, Sept. 2013
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Exhibition history
Shown in 2 exhibitions
One hundred flowers (2011), Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, 01 Sep 2011–15 Jan 2012
Beyond Words: Calligraphic Traditions of Asia, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, 27 Aug 2016–30 Apr 2017
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Bibliography
Referenced in 1 publication
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Margaret White, TAASA Review, "Calligraphic batik cloths in Southeast Asia: Meaning behind the words", pg. 22-23, Sydney, Sep 2014, 23 (colour illus.).
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