#TBT: In 1971, High Schoolers Entranced by Indonesian Batik-making

High school students touring Asia Society's galleries in New York in 1971 absorb the art of Indonesian batik-making. (Asia Society)

During the 1971-1972 season, Asia Society's Asia House Gallery, as it was called at the time, presented three exhibitions of historic Asian art, including "Ancient Indonesian Art of the Central and Eastern Javanese Periods." The exhibition featured items on loan from the government of Indonesia in the first showing of classical Indonesian art outside of the country. During the season, more than 3,000 students and their teachers participated in special group programs at the gallery. In the above photo from 1971, high school students visiting Asia House Gallery learn about Indonesian batik-making — an art form using wax-resistant dyeing applied to whole cloth.

Each week for "Throwback Thursday" (#TBT), we'll reach into our archives to find a photo from the organization's nearly 60-year history. Some photos will feature important moments, some will feature important people, and others still will just be photos we love. Do you have an Asia Society photo you'd like us to consider including in this series? Please email the photo and any related details to [email protected] (we regret that we won't be able to respond directly to each inquiry).