BatikBatik today is found in many places in the world. Though, as a form of art and origins, it is mostly associated with the Malay Archipelago, including present-day Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. Traditional batik reached its heights on the Island of Java (in Indonesia) continues to be a main source of excellent batik till today.
Produced by an ingenious technique using several wax-resist dyeing methods on an originally plain piece of textile which is then transformed into batik. There are several variations of batik according to the different techniques, of which three are detailed here ( i.e. "batik tulis", "batik cap" and "batik ikat"). Batik is often mistakenly referred to cloths which have designs which are usually and traditionally found in batik textiles. These are usually mass-produced textiles made for the tourism industry, churned out by factories. This is not to be regarded as true batik, as it was not created using any wax-resist technique. Prices, therefore for such pieces are much lower than real batik pieces.
"Batik tulis" (or hand-drawn batik) is often regarded as the most refined, elevated and also the most laborous technique. In the best pieces, the artisan's skill is used to draw every line and curve and motif on the cloth using a traditional equipment called the "canting" which functions as a pen to pour the hot molten wax onto the cloth. Usually this is to create the outlines and various dots and inner patterns of the object, of say a blooming flower. The canting looks like a metal teapot without a lid attached to a long stick, containing the hot wax. Once the wax cools off, it naturally forms a barrier for the later dyeing and colouring process of the cloth. In some older pieces of batik which tend to be very elaborate, the work can take months to complete. As each piece is hand-drawn, no two batik are identical, though they may bear strong resemblance.
"Batik cap" (or stamped batik) is created using stamps (normally the stamps are made of zink or copper based materials). On a piece of cloth, more than one stamp can be used, hence creating different kinds of motifs on the fabric. The stamps in themselves are beautiful works of art, and vintage pieces are highly collectable items. With a firm hand, the various motifs are stamped onto the cloth, and quite often, stamped batik (batik cap) is used together on the same fabric as hand-drawn batik (batik tulis). The advantage of batik cap is obviously to speed up the batik-making process, and ensuring that the motifs created, especially when used in repetitive sequence, are identical in size and shape. This preserves the aesthetic symmetry and is often used to accentuate the overall seamless look.
Another form of batik called "batik ikat" (or tied or wrapped batik) is produced by binding and wrapping the fabric in various creative knots which are then dipped onto different colours of dye. This can produce remarkable effects of Impressionist versions of flowers, leaves, etc and other unique shapes. Contemporary batik ikat can produce very unique patterns and the creating process is much left to the creativity and originality of the artisan.
Old pieces of batik are often treasured as antiques, vintage and even heirloom pieces. Old batik is noted for its elaborate patterns infused with deep-meaningful traditioncal symbolisms; as well as the painstaking work to create them.
Traditional batik tells the story of our history as the various motifs on the batik reflect the makers and consumers' cultural background in the past. They serve as a useful insight into the tastes, fashion and culture of our predecessors. There are different kinds of categories of traditional batik including those used by old Malay and Javanese courts and palaces to the common wear of everyday people from various communities such as the Malays, Sumatrans, Javanese, Bugis, Straits Chinese (Peranakans), local Chitty (Straits-born Indians) and the local Eurasians and European colonizers, etc. Each types of such batik hold a key into the past of these peoples.
Contemporary batik is much coveted as are the older traditional pieces. With the advent of technological advancements and speed in dye-colour production, new tools (such as the traditional canting in batik cap), and various types of fabrics from all over the world and fresh ideas and inspirations, batik is experiencing a revival and is gaining more admirers worldwide.
Batik today can be fashioned into all sorts of wear and design pieces, including clothing such as shirts, blouses, wedding dresses and gowns, headscarves, shoulder scarves, cloth-belts, pillow and matress covers, curtains, deco pieces, and even into handphone pouches! Indeed there is little limit except to the human imagination in innovating new ideas and uses for contemporary batik.
Here in Batik Inspirations, we showcase the ways of batik making and how contemporary batik can fit into our everyday lives.
Inspired by the beauty of the Batik fabric and the creative spirit of batik designers, we are proud to present you the batik book, Batik Inspirations.
This book feature batik making, contemporary batik design and batik fashion.
