Kotagede is an area that is located 5 kilometers south-east of Jogjakarta, known as the capital of the Mataram kingdom, a major Muslim kingdom on the java island in the 16th century. As ancient town, kotagede has many historic old buildings, as well as arts and cultural wealth.
In addition to the ancient town known as the former royal capital of Mataram, Kotagede also known as silver craft center in Indonesia after Bali. In the 16th century of Mataram kingdom era, the presence of silver craftsmen are to meet the needs of the palace of Mataram kingdom. Since the 1930s silversmiths of Kotagede provide public needs. Kotagede silversmiths produce various kinds of handicrafts, there are decorative craft like miniature, miniature form of the sail boat, rickshaws, horse cart, or other traditional vehicles. In addition to these crafts, silver jewelry is the result of a very famous craft from artisans kotagede.
Diverse ethnic Javanese art and culture that is very unique of Kotagede affect the uniqueness of the design motifs Kotagede silver jewelry. Expertise of the craftsmen who gained from many years of experience, and passed on hereditary, ensuring the quality of kotagede silver jewelry. The influence of ethnic Javanese art and culture that unique and made by highly experienced craftsmen, it makes silver jewelry of kotagede is different than jewelry from other area.
