Jakarta - The modest plaque outside the Java House Imports belies the treasure trove within that would delight fans of Indonesian art and craft. Located in New Orleans` French Quarter, it`s a small shop where anything artistic from Indonesia can be found.
One customer said he came all the way from another state to buy Balinese masks to hang on the walls of his tattoo parlor.
"I have done several models based on Balinese masks," he said.
Anything artistic, tasteful, unique, of good quality and reasonable cost sells well, shop owner Lily Santoso Monk said.
Best-selling items include batik from Java, carvings from Bali, shadow puppets (wayang kulit) from Central Java and rod puppets (wayang golek) from West Java.
Java House Imports has been importing Indonesian arts & craft into the Unites States since 2000.
Lily started out with a one-table booth at the French Market, the oldest urban flea market in the U.S. Business expanded over the years and Lily had the opportunity to set up shop in Decatur Street, in the French Quarter, in 2006.
The famed French Quarter has a high historical value and draws millions of tourists from all over the world every year to partake of its music, parties, cajun food, unique architecture and artistic flavor, Lily said.
"New Orleans in general is a very open-minded city, with people from all walks of life. Diverse lifestyles and ways of thinking can find a home here without fear of castigation," she said.
To this end, Java House Imports is definitely in place in New Orleans, with its unusual artistic pieces and theme.
But how does the shop promote Indonesia as a cultural wonderland? Simply through the plethora of beautiful and high quality crafts on offer in her shop, Lily said.
"We`re showing Indonesia is not only a land of terrorists and disasters. Indonesia is definitely an oriental gumbo, with a mix of cultures allowing different religions to co-exist in peace," she said.
Because of Java House Imports, Indonesian artisans and craftsmen should be proud thousands of people from all walks of life can enjoy and appreciate their work and their universal message of beauty, love and life. Alvin Darlanika Soedarjo
Source: http://old.thejakartapost.com (June 30, 2008)