As part of our heritage and culture that attached close with Indonesian society, it is important to understand the origin and types of Batik as part of preserving it.
Here we give compelling information about Batik that you must notice and understand.
Definition of Batik
Keep in mind that Batik is a processing method of resist-dyeing that needs molten wax as part of the making the pattern on clothes, not just simply a name for the fabric.
The coloring technique is using ”malam” to avoid the coloring part in the cloth.
History of Batik
The word of “Batik” comes from Javanese word, “amba” means writing and “titik” means a dot. It is two words gathered which creates “ambatik” means a cloth with dots.
Originated either from China or India, possibly more than 1200 years ago, batik first brought by travelers or traders from India. As time goes by, Batik spread from Indonesia to other countries in Asia yet it has different styles and values from each country.
It was first introduced to the world by the second President of Indonesia, Soeharto, who worn batik at the UN Conference.
Central Java is the most famous for Batik in Indonesia.
Types of Batik
Hand-Drawn or Batik Tulis:
From the name itself, this technique refers to the process of making Batik with applying the wax with a tool called “canting” by manual hand drawing. It only takes one person in charge to make it, although the final result will not as neat as you expected. However, that is something that people sees as a characteristic and richness of hand-drawn Batik.
Hand Stamped or Batik Cap:
Similar to hand-drawn Batik yet this technique used blocks that made from wood or copper that will stamp into the fabric after dipped the wax into the cop. Hand stamped can be done in massive production since it is much faster than hand-drawn Batik.
Printed Batik:
For the last type of batik and considered as the new modern technique, the pattern made with screen printing or printing machine. Without using “canting” and “Malam” printed batik mostly will not translucent because the process of the coloring only done on one side. That is why this type of Batik can have a neat and perfect result.
All and all, Batik is now considered as a crucial element of our culture and heritage. It is now our job to take responsibility as the next generation to preserve Batik by not just solely wear it but also acknowledge the values and history behind it.
