Gringsing is one of the rarest weaving techniques practiced, and you
particularly will only find this textile in the traditional village of
Tenganan, East Bali. Gringsing is also known as the ‘flame cloth’ and in
this elaborate dyeing process both the warp and weft threads are
carefully bound before dyeing. This creates numerous patterns that once
finished they seemingly fit together perfectly and harmoniously.
Tenganan
is the only place in Bali where the double-ikat process is practiced.
There are only a handful of women left in Tenganan who know this
practice of weaving, a threat to the next generation. A piece of
Gringsing takes up to three days to weave but the finished product is
superb. When you visit the village you are welcome to have a look at
this weaving process or buy this traditional cloth in a fair price. Like
a songket, this cloth is very sensitive to detergent or washing machine
so one must hand-wash it very carefully.
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