corak

Corak is a Malay and Indonesian word meaning pattern, motif, or design. In everyday use, it describes the arrangement of shapes, colors, and lines that make up a decorative or functional surface, such as fabrics, wallpapers, or artwork. The term is commonly used in textile arts to refer to patterns in batik, weaving, and embroidery, as in corak bunga (flower pattern) or corak garis (line pattern).

Corak is a native term in Malay and Indonesian and is widely used across Southeast Asia to denote pattern or design. It is often treated as a broad synonym for pola or motif, with regional variations in preference.

In practice, corak appears in many domains. In batik, it describes the overall motif that guides the dyeing and color application. In woven textiles such as kain tenun or songket, corak describes the repeating arrangement produced by the weaving pattern. In interior and graphic design, corak describes the visible arrangement of elements that creates a particular aesthetic or cultural meaning.

Cultural significance: Many corak carry symbolic or regional meanings, and some batik corak have established names and stories. The choice of corak can reflect identity, heritage, or locality as well as fashion trends.

See also: pola, motif, batik, textile design.