When I first encountered kain (Indonesian for ‘cloth’), it wasn’t love at first sight. I remember the uncertainty of trying to figure out how to wear it—would it fall off as I walked? How could I drape it to make it feel natural, or would I be constantly adjusting it? The way it folded and draped seemed so unfamiliar, and I wasn’t sure if I was doing it "right."
But over time, something changed. I began to fall in love with kain not just for its beauty, but for how incredibly versatile it is.
Now, I never travel without it. Whether as a sarong, a throw, or a scarf, kain has become an essential part of my wardrobe—something I can always rely on, no matter where I am. And as I’ve gotten more familiar with it, I’ve come to appreciate the deeper meanings and stories woven into its fabric, especially those found in SukkhaCitta's collection.
Two pieces, in particular, have captivated my heart: the CANANG Pagi Sore Kain and the ANGKASA Bulan Kain. Each one carries its own unique story and profound symbolism.
CANANG Pagi Sore Kain
CANANG Pagi Sore Kain is one of those pieces that embodies deeper meanings the longer you wear it.
This design represents the four cardinal directions—North, East, South, and West—symbolized by four beautiful flowers. North represents wisdom, East signifies new beginnings, South symbolizes growth, and West encourages reflection. Together, they form a guiding compass for life, helping to bring balance and harmony.
At the heart of our CANANG are the jasmine flowers—symbolizing who we are at the center of the universe. Its purity and beauty remind me that, despite the challenges we face, we remain rooted in grace and potential.
Meanwhile, the four dots around the jasmine flower represent Bija, the rice used in Balinese ceremonies to symbolize abundance and sustenance. While the three lines at the edges of the motif echo the palm leaves used in offerings, framing the design with an offering of gratitude and reverence.
It’s a small detail that carries a profound reminder of life’s interconnectedness. Every flower, every line, every dot is created by hand with hot wax, ensuring that no two are the same. The subtle variations make each kain a unique work of art, imbued with the Ibus’ intention and mastery.
And then there’s the red. Our rarest natural dye hue yet.
Once commonly found in coastal Batik from Lasem, the recipe of natural dye red has since disappeared. It took us three years of research to recreate it, using the most delicate balance of three different wood barks. Read more about it here.
The result is a deep, rich shade that connects us to nature, to the earth, and to the time-honored traditions that give this fabric its extraordinary depth. When I wrap myself in this kain, I feel grounded, protected, and connected to something much larger than myself.
ANGKASA Bulan Kain
While the CANANG Pagi Sore Kain captures the essence of life’s directions, the ANGKASA Bulan Kain invites me to reflect on the cyclical nature of time. Inspired by sacred cosmology and the moon rituals of Bali, ANGKASA is a reminder of the rhythm of life, the constant ebb and flow of existence.
The design of this kain evokes the phases of the moon, representing the continual cycles of creation, growth, decline, and rebirth. It draws from the sacred rituals that honor the moon's transformative power, an element of life that governs time, nature, and the tides of the earth.
In the same way, the ANGKASA Bulan Kain honors the cyclical process of life—where beginnings and endings are intimately connected, and each phase offers its own wisdom.
The beauty of this kain is not just in its symbolism but in the way it is black and white is dyed with plants from the Earth. The indigo leaves, combined with sugar, create a rich, deep blue hue that reminds you of the clear evening sky.
I’ve been wearing this kain for four years now feels like a quiet invitation to slow down, to reflect, and to embrace the rhythms of life. It’s not just a piece of fabric—it's a way of being in tune with the universe, a reminder that we are all part of something far greater.
A canvas for your own story
Looking back, my relationship with kain has evolved into something far deeper than I could have imagined.
What once felt like a fabric I wasn’t quite sure how to wear has become a symbol of versatility, comfort, and tradition. Kain is no longer just an item I wear; it’s something I travel with, something I cherish, something that reminds me of the beauty of Indonesia’s craftsmanship and the rich cultural heritage behind it.
When I wear kain, I don’t just wear a piece of fabric—I become part of the story. And every time I wrap it around myself, I’m reminded that the simplest things in life can hold the most profound meaning.
In a world that’s constantly changing, kain is my timeless companion. It’s not just a piece of clothing, but a symbol of culture, history, and the interconnectedness of life. And that’s what makes it so incredibly special to me.
So give it a try! Make it one of your intentions of 2025 to invest in a kain and discover just how many ways you can wear it. Start with our curation of kain, or let Lulu, our Happiness Specialist, help you find the one that speaks most to you.
And tag me @denicaflesch with your creations on social media!
Yours,
D
