Gunadi

Gunadi wood batik centerpieces and ornaments

Update 2023

"I was born into an artisan family — that's why I decided to work in wood batik, especially since this job also provides income for my neighbors. Batik painting on wood is a very unique craft that may only be found in Yogyakarta, my hometown. It's a city that is very artistic, cultured, and has a high appreciation for its rich history. We have so much heritage here, including temples and palaces. Very friendly local people and delicious traditional food, all set in beautiful natural scenery.

"At first, I wanted to preserve the hand-painted batik on these various crafts to empower my neighbors so they could have additional income for their survival. The complexity of this batik painting on wood makes me even more motivated to continue to preserve this craft. Today, I work with the help of ten artisans, including my family members.

"The traditional batik motifs that I use are classic traditional motifs that have been used by our ancestors. The Parang, Kawung, and Truntum motifs have deep historical values that inspire me and greatly affect the life of the Javanese people. Preserving culture is one of the goals I want to achieve. For this reason, I hope that in the future, young people can be more interested in getting to know and learning about the culture and crafts of ancestral heritage.

"I hope that over the next ten years, I can create and innovate designs that can optimally apply classic batik. Also, I can build a better synergy with the batik artisans.

"As an Indonesian cultural heritage, batik has made Yogyakarta increasingly famous in the world. If there are relatives who have never been to Yogyakarta to visit me, I will take them to places that have cultural values. Of course, I will definitely take them to a place where batik is made so that they always remember the cultural heritage of Indonesia and Jogjakarta. They also have the experience of enjoying traditional food in Yogyakarta. One of them is nasi bakar, which is very easy to find here. This is rice and spices, wrapped in a banana leaf and grilled. It's very tasty and not difficult to make.

"Maybe there's something you should know,. I really idolize Angelina Jolie as she is a great humanitarian and philanthropist."

Original Bio

"I was born in 1981 in a small village not far from the city of Yogyakarta, which is rich in art and philosophies. I am a married man with one son, and this requires more responsibility in making a good plan for his life in the future.

"In Java, arts and crafts are typically used in custom events or a special collection, and batik is closely associated with traditional ceremonies. There are philosophies contained in the art of batik.

"My parents taught me about working hard to reach my dreams and to always think positive, to be wise and help others. The spirit of an entrepreneur grew in me, and I decided to resign from the company where I worked. The wood batik artisans in my village were unemployed, as the company where they worked was closed. Most of them are women, and I began organizing them. Now, thank God, they can work at home and have more time for their families.

"We work on wood, with manual tools for the batik process. The wood is easy to find, but the batik process takes lots of time. We were once in a difficult situation when we got an order for a thousand pieces. But luckily, our client knew well about batik and how difficult the process is. So he gave us good tolerance for colors and pattern shapes.

"We craft wood batik ornaments, accessories and décor with the best quality we can, and incorporate our traditional batik culture into our designs. By working with you, I know people around the world will learn about us and our Javanese batik culture."

Handmade: A Global Artisan Marketplace Ubud, Indonesia

Update 2023

"I was born into an artisan family — that's why I decided to work in wood batik, especially since this job also provides income for my neighbors. Batik painting on wood is a very unique craft that may only be found in Yogyakarta, my hometown. It's a city that is very artistic, cultured, and has a high appreciation for its rich history. We have so much heritage here, including temples and palaces. Very friendly local people and delicious traditional food, all set in beautiful natural scenery.

"At first, I wanted to preserve the hand-painted batik on these various crafts to empower my neighbors so they could have additional income for their survival. The complexity of this batik painting on wood makes me even more motivated to continue to preserve this craft. Today, I work with the help of ten artisans, including my family members.

"The traditional batik motifs that I use are classic traditional motifs that have been used by our ancestors. The Parang, Kawung, and Truntum motifs have deep historical values that inspire me and greatly affect the life of the Javanese people. Preserving culture is one of the goals I want to achieve. For this reason, I hope that in the future, young people can be more interested in getting to know and learning about the culture and crafts of ancestral heritage.

"I hope that over the next ten years, I can create and innovate designs that can optimally apply classic batik. Also, I can build a better synergy with the batik artisans.

"As an Indonesian cultural heritage, batik has made Yogyakarta increasingly famous in the world. If there are relatives who have never been to Yogyakarta to visit me, I will take them to places that have cultural values. Of course, I will definitely take them to a place where batik is made so that they always remember the cultural heritage of Indonesia and Jogjakarta. They also have the experience of enjoying traditional food in Yogyakarta. One of them is nasi bakar, which is very easy to find here. This is rice and spices, wrapped in a banana leaf and grilled. It's very tasty and not difficult to make.

"Maybe there's something you should know,. I really idolize Angelina Jolie as she is a great humanitarian and philanthropist."

Original Bio

"I was born in 1981 in a small village not far from the city of Yogyakarta, which is rich in art and philosophies. I am a married man with one son, and this requires more responsibility in making a good plan for his life in the future.

"In Java, arts and crafts are typically used in custom events or a special collection, and batik is closely associated with traditional ceremonies. There are philosophies contained in the art of batik.

"My parents taught me about working hard to reach my dreams and to always think positive, to be wise and help others. The spirit of an entrepreneur grew in me, and I decided to resign from the company where I worked. The wood batik artisans in my village were unemployed, as the company where they worked was closed. Most of them are women, and I began organizing them. Now, thank God, they can work at home and have more time for their families.

"We work on wood, with manual tools for the batik process. The wood is easy to find, but the batik process takes lots of time. We were once in a difficult situation when we got an order for a thousand pieces. But luckily, our client knew well about batik and how difficult the process is. So he gave us good tolerance for colors and pattern shapes.

"We craft wood batik ornaments, accessories and décor with the best quality we can, and incorporate our traditional batik culture into our designs. By working with you, I know people around the world will learn about us and our Javanese batik culture."

Bali and Java Artisan Empowerment Hub

Come with us on a journey to the magical Indonesian islands of Bali & Java, where artistry is a way of life, and soothing tropical vibes ease away all stress and tension. These lands are famous for intricate wood carvings, divine silversmith work, and Batik designs that transport you to another time.

Learn More

Maker BadgeMicrocredit Financing

Gunadi has received 3 microcredit loans with 0% interest from Kiva and Novica, the first for $350 and the most recent for $700.

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Alternate image for Hand-Carved Floral Rectangular Lined Batik Wood Jewelry Box Indigo Garden

$44.95

Item Detail

Hand-Carved Floral Rectangular Lined Batik Wood Jewelry Box 'Indigo Garden'

$44.95

Alternate image for Handcrafted Batik Pule Wood Rama Mask with Bird Detail Powerful Rama

$159

Item Detail

Handcrafted Batik Pule Wood Rama Mask with Bird Detail 'Powerful Rama'

$159

Alternate image for Hand Carved Wadang Wood Panang Warrior Ornaments Set of 4 Parang Warriors set of 4

$29.99

Item Detail

Hand Carved Wadang Wood Panang Warrior Ornaments Set of 4 'Parang Warriors set of 4'

$29.99

(4)

Comments

Ayanna I get a little happy every time I see these ornaments. I had originally put them on a Christmas tree--they were the extra special touch among all the traditional stuff. My family thought they were cool and even wanted some. And actually, they are still on display, long after the Christmas decorations were put away.

3 more comments

Alternate image for Floral Motif Batik Wood Decorative Bowl from Bali Lok Chan Flowers

$47.99

Item Detail

Floral Motif Batik Wood Decorative Bowl from Bali 'Lok Chan Flowers'

$47.99

Alternate image for Handcrafted Wood Batik Coasters from Indonesia Set of 6 Kembang Memory

$39.99

Item Detail

Handcrafted Wood Batik Coasters from Indonesia Set of 6 'Kembang Memory'

$39.99

(3)

Comments

Lalitha The coasters are unusual and the batik design is beautiful! They fit the bottom of a medium glass tumbler. Only suggestion I have is to make it in a slightly bigger size as well.

2 more comments

Alternate image for Floral Batik Wood Heart Ornaments from Java Set of 4 Heart Flowers

$44.99

Item Detail

Floral Batik Wood Heart Ornaments from Java Set of 4 'Heart Flowers'

$44.99

(2)

Comments

Linda I gave these as Christmas presents and each person made a point of saying how much they loved them and asked where I got them!

1 more comment

18 Reviews for

December 29, 2022

L Lalitha

The coasters are unusual and the batik design is beautiful! They fit the bottom of a medium glass tumbler. Only suggestion I have is to make it in a slightly bigger size as well.

Reviewed item

April 14, 2022

A Ayanna

I get a little happy every time I see these ornaments. I had originally put them on a Christmas tree--they were the extra special touch among all the traditional stuff. My family thought they were cool and even wanted some. And actually, they are still on display, long after the Christmas decorations were put away.

Reviewed item

March 3, 2022

M Merle

These magnificent ornaments are totally off the chart! Such great artistic quality is a God given gift. These 'Parang Warriors' are some of the best craftsmanship I have ever seen. There is nothing else that can compare with these awesome ornaments. Impressive, most impressive...

Reviewed item

January 5, 2022

L Linda

I gave these as Christmas presents and each person made a point of saying how much they loved them and asked where I got them!

Reviewed item

August 31, 2021

M Marnie

Gunadi is an excellent artisan and I highly recommend him to you. I have purchased two other much larger boxes from him and they are very beautiful. This little box may be small, but it mighty in pretty looks!

Reviewed item

January 18, 2021

A Anne

Our xmas tree has ornaments from all the places we have lived. The parang warriors are a great addition. Beautiful design, light so easy to pack, and non breakable (perfect for a house with kids).

Reviewed item

December 11, 2020

A Anne

I got this for my husband who studies Indonesian history. When we lived in Indonesia we always wanted one, but at the time could not afford one. It is so wonderful that now such products with amazing craftsmanship are available to those abroad. One of the sticks did break, but that was probably due to the fact our 5 year old couldn't stop playing with it. It is magical.

Reviewed item

December 8, 2020

M Mary

I was very happy to give these as gifts because they are so well carved and painted. I really like the detail, and attention to how well it is crafted. I would highly recommend!

Reviewed item

November 19, 2020

E Elizabeth

All of these heart ornaments are truly beautiful — beautiful to touch, beautiful to see, beautiful to give to anyone you care about. I will share them with my sons and their spouses. Thank you so very much for sharing your amazing talents with our family.

Reviewed item

August 18, 2020

K Karen

so lovely and delicate I had to order two one for myself and one for my daughter to take with her on her adventure to the United kingdom now our hands are connected beautiful lovely cherished

Reviewed item

July 3, 2020

A Allison

These look great on the table whether they're in use or stored in their holder. One of the coasters in the set I received had a bit of a faded dark patch on the surface, but the design was still easily visible and beautiful regardless.

Reviewed item

April 16, 2020

T Timothy

They are so unique and well done. I know my friends will love them (if I can part with them). Wonderful value as well and came in a lovely cloth covered box. Definitely recommend!

Reviewed item

February 11, 2020

G Georgia

? consisted from this well made bowl and the six matching coasters.... by the same artisan. A great present to a couple of friends.

Reviewed item

July 13, 2019

K Karen

The three bowls are perfectly beautiful and true works of art!! I will cherish them always.

Reviewed item

May 12, 2019

B Beverly

Thus us a beautifully designed bowl with intricate artwork. Lovely.

Reviewed item

November 14, 2018

J Jennifer

I am so pleased with the coasters. The artistry is great and they are really high quality. It's a steal for $20.

Reviewed item

September 22, 2017

C Christina

These are so finely made, it is hard to believe that they are hand made (and not lazered out in a factory). Just beautiful. Under each one in peach pen is the written warning that they are for decorative use only. Hoping this could be put on a sticker next time? still highly recommended.

Reviewed item

August 12, 2017

W Wanda B.

thoughtfully packaged by hand. Detailed oriented. Coasters are Oriental in design and well made.

Reviewed item