The kawung batik motif is inspired by the shape of the kawung fruit or also known as kolang-kaling which is split into two and in the batik the motif pattern is arranged neatly and geometrically. On the other hand, some people think that the kawung motif is a lotus flower with four pieces of blooming flower crowns.
The meaning of the kawung motif itself means that it is a symbol of perfection, purity, and chastity. Some people also associate the name kawung batik with the Javanese word suwung which means empty. Therefore, this void makes a person more neutral, does not want to attract attention, and will release everything around him in accordance with the will of nature. In fact, dubbed as a god and wise personality, Semar always wears kawung batik cloth.
There are several kawung motifs, for example, Kawung Beton, Kawung Geger, Kawung Kopi, Kawung Sekar Ageng, and Kawung Semar. Some types of such kawung are characterized by their design. Meanwhile, during the Dutch colonial era, the kawung batik motif was taken from the name of coins circulating at that time, such as, Kawung Picis, Kawung Bribil, Kawung Sen, and Kawung Kemplong. Kawung batik motifs are not only found in fabrics and clothes, but also on other things such as room partitions or various objects as examples of writing book covers, dispenser covers, tablecloths, wall decorations, etc.
