Srasa

Srasa
	Trade cloth (sarasa) for the Indonesian market from Coromandel Coast of southeastern South Asia, 18th century (collection of Honolulu Museum of Art accession 10860.1)
Type	Art fabric
Material	Cotton
Place of origin	South Asia

Srasa or Sarasa (/s͡rasaʰ/, sruh-SUH)^[a] refers to a type of printed or dyed cotton fabric with vibrant, intricate patterns, originally from South Asia and later adapted in Indonesia (historically by Indian Indonesians in parts of Java, Sumatra and Sulawesi) and Japan due to colonial Dutch traders.^[1] Sarasa primarily denotes South Asian chintz-style cottons that were imported and appreciated for their rich colors and exotic designs. It is closely related to Kalamkari, another South Asian painted or printed cotton textile, often linked to Sarasa origins.^[1]

Etymology

It is believed that the term derived from Gujarati word saras (सरस), meaning "beautiful" or "pleasant".^[1]

Significance

Indonesia

In Indonesia,^[1] Sarasa represents a key historical link between South Asia and Indonesia, symbolizing both artistic exchange and the profound impact of the Indian Ocean trade on regional textile cultures. It was among South Asia’s most prized export goods and not merely used as decoration but held social and symbolic value, often used in rituals, dowries, and as heirlooms. Historically, Sarasa in Indonesia was primarily imported from Coromandel Coast (part of modern-day India).

Japan

In Japan,^[1] Sarasa used in kimono linings, obi sashes, furoshiki wrapping cloths, and interior decorations. Beyond fashion, Sarasa symbolizes Japan’s openness to global influences, shaping its textile heritage with exotic motifs and innovative craftsmanship that continue to inspire modern designers.

References

^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e "Sarasa—The Gujarati kalamkari cloth that became a rage in Japan thanks to Dutch traders". India: ThePrint. 2022.

Notes

^
- serasah / telepuk serasah (in Indonesian);
- さらし / サラサ, sarashi / sarasa (in Japanese);
- ꦏꦁꦱꦿꦃ, kangsrah (in Javanese);
- kain serasah (in Malay);
- सरस, sarasa (in Sanskrit)

External links

Wasarasa Chintz (Japanese Sarasa Chintz) - Google Arts & Culture

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[TP-2] "Sarasa—The Gujarati kalamkari cloth that became a rage in Japan thanks to Dutch traders". India: ThePrint. 2022.

[1] 
serasah / telepuk serasah (in Indonesian);

さらし / サラサ, sarashi / sarasa (in Japanese);

ꦏꦁꦱꦿꦃ, kangsrah (in Javanese);

kain serasah (in Malay);

सरस, sarasa (in Sanskrit)

[3] serasah / telepuk serasah (in Indonesian);

[4] さらし / サラサ, sarashi / sarasa (in Japanese);

[5] ꦏꦁꦱꦿꦃ, kangsrah (in Javanese);

[6] kain serasah (in Malay);

[7] सरस, sarasa (in Sanskrit)

[a]

[1]