ikat

English

Wikipedia

A ceremonial ikat hanging from Buleleng, Bali, Indonesia

Alternative forms

• ikkat

Etymology

From Malay ikat (“to bind”).

Noun

ikat (countable and uncountable, plural ikats)

1. (uncountable) A style of weaving that uses a process similar to tie-dye to dye the threads.
   • 2009 February 13, Wendy Moonan, “Glamour Girls for the Middle Class”, New York Times:

     Other noteworthy sales included an Etruscan bronze by Royal-Athena Galleries; a 17th-century Mexican tortoise-shell and mother-of-pearl inlaid chest by Arita Gallery of Buenos Aires; Suzani and ikat textiles by Gallery Afrodit of Ankara, Turkey; and a Tiffany Studios peony lamp from 1900, sold by Macklowe.

2. A work woven in this style.
   • 2008 June 12, Susan Joy, “Smooth Translations”, New York Times:

     Madeline Weinrib, for one, works with traditional artisans to update the hand-woven ikats she uses for her chic clutches.

Anagrams

• kati, Kati