Preserving Majapahit Cultural Heritage through Sustainable Batik Design Innovation: A Visual Analysis of Candi Tikus Motifs at Negi Batik Majapahit

Abstract

Batik, as an Indonesian cultural heritage, holds aesthetic, symbolic, and cultural identity values that can support sustainable design innovation in the creative industry. One source of inspiration with strong visual and historical potential is Candi Tikus in the Trowulan area, Mojokerto, which represents the grandeur of Majapahit culture. This study aims to analyze the visual aspects, symbolic meanings, and sustainability-oriented design innovation in the development of the Candi Tikus batik motif produced by Negi Batik Majapahit. This motif is the result of a visual transformation of Candi Tikus architecture through a stylization process into a decorative batik form that preserves local heritage while enabling contemporary product development. This research employs a descriptive qualitative method with a case study approach. Data collection was conducted through observation, interviews, and documentation, and then analyzed using a visual analysis approach based on Edmund Burke Feldman’s theory, which includes the stages of description, formal analysis, interpretation, and evaluation. The results show that the Candi Tikus batik motif has a strong visual character through the use of geometric elements, symmetrical composition, and a structured spatial division into three main zones. The transformation process involves simplifying architectural elements without eliminating their distinctive features. In addition, the motif is enriched with supporting elements such as Surya Majapahit, maja fruit, duit kepeng, gateway, water wave, and isen-isen motifs, which strengthen its aesthetic value, cultural identity, and narrative of heritage preservation. Symbolically, this motif embodies meanings of purity, balance, historical memory, and the sustainability of Majapahit cultural values.