If you look at the albums from any Bandung tattoo studio, you will probably find motifs inspired by West Javanese batik patterns. One of them could be megamendung, an iconic batik pattern with a popularity that has reached international fame. It is instantly recognizable and can be easily incorporated into any style. Plus, it has a beautiful philosophy that would make your tattoos more meaningful.
Before tattooing it to your skin, here is everything you need to know about the megamendung motif.
Bandung Tattoo Studio and The History Behind Megamendung Motif
Megamendung is the portmanteau of the word mega mendung, which means “rain cloud”. Hailing from the coastal town of Cirebon in West Java, this motif was influenced by traditional Chinese cloud patterns. This is not surprising, considering that, in olden times, traders from other nations (including China) often made stops in the ports of Cirebon.
Megamendung combined distinctive cultures of China and Moslem in the Javanese-style batik technique. One story behind this motif was the marriage between notable Moslem preacher Sunan Gunung Jati and Chinese queen Ong Tien in the 15th Century. When the queen arrived in Cirebon, the artistry and craftsmanship of her personal objects attracted local artists, who started incorporating the artistic elements in their works, including the batik motifs.
The Style and Meaning of Megamendung Motif
The Megamendung motif is almost similar to the traditional cloud motifs in Chinese art. However, unlike Chinese cloud patterns with rounded lines, the Cirebon versions have pointed, almost triangular lines. The repetitive cloud patterns usually have darker interiors with thick outer lines, making them very distinctive.
Initially, the cloud patterns combined blue and red; the latter is an auspicious color in traditional Chinese art. The contrasting colors symbolize fisherfolks’ strong and egalitarian lifestyle in coastal regions. However, the red might also represent masculine strength since many early batik artists in these regions were men.
Meanwhile, the blue represents the ocean, water, rain, and the power of life. It also balances the red in the traditional motif, representing the balancing powers in the universe. There are many gradations of blue shades in megamendung, creating rich looks in each creation.
Modern Application of Megamendung Motif
The modern era brings more variations in the applications of the megamendung motif, including in tattoo designs. Bandung tattoo studio often has megamendung as a part of tattoo design. The colors are no longer limited to blue and red, although blue remains this motif’s iconic option.
The pointed, almost triangular design of the cloud patterns gives this batik a distinctive style. You have countless possibilities in incorporating this motif into tattoo designs. Here are several ideas and applications for this motif in tattoos.
A Single Cloud Tattoo
The unique look of megamendung makes even a single cloud distinctive. If you like a simple tattoo, you can opt for a single cloud draw in megamendung style. Apply bold lines and dramatic shades in the design to make this cloud more attractive. You can apply it on your nape, chest, sternum, shoulder or around your forearm.
Upper Arm Tattoo
The upper arm is an excellent location for repeated patterns surrounding the limb. The cloud patterns can blanket your arm and even shoulder, emphasizing the shapes and linings. Use dramatic shades and even small detailing around the clouds to make the tattoo more dramatic.
Combination Tattoo
The clouds of megamendung can be combined with other shapes and images to create beautiful hybrid tattoos. The simple option is nature-themed tattoos, with combinations like clouds and trees, mountains, fruits, or birds perching on tree branches. You can also combine the batik motif with more abstract shapes and lines.
Sleeve Tattoo
A sleeve tattoo is always an excellent option for repeated patterns. Depending on the final effect you want from the tattoo, you can make the cloud patterns a bit large or smaller.
Megamendung and Other Batik Patterns
Combining different patterns is not unusual in batik artistry, and certainly not in tattoos. You can combine megamendung with smaller or more complicated batik patterns. Make sure the two motifs have a strong contrast, allowing people to appreciate their differences better.
For example, you can combine megamendung with a motif with wavy lines, such as parang. Kawung, a simple batik motif that resembles opened fruits or lotus, is also great to combine with megamendung. You can find inspiration from pictures of batik fabric that has combined motifs before planning for your design.
Batik Pattern in Frame
Make your design more unique and modern by encasing the cloud patterns in a frame. You can also provide negative space within the frame and apply the ways more restrainedly.
Megamendung batik is just one of the iconic motifs you could find at Bandung tattoo studio. Or, you can find experienced artists who provide exclusive sessions at Ink Satire Bali Private Tattoo Studio. Combining professional, experienced artists with excellent tattooing service, this is a great place for you to get a traditional tattoo. Contact Ink Satire Bali Private Tattoo Studio now to book your session!