It is fascinating to think that there are so many existing methods of art and craft all over the world that have been invented and practiced over centuries. What is even more intriguing is how they have evolved over time and how they impact the society of today. We now have access to different creative arts because of globalisation and going back to the roots of these crafts can be an enriching experience.
It can be a lot of fun to learn about new techniques from across the globe. Batik is an art form that introduces us to the world of wax art that has been used to create stunning patterns and designs. Now, before we dive into how you can make your custom Batik pieces, let’s get an insight into what this craft is all about.
What Is Batik?
Batik is an ancient wax-resist dyeing method dating back over two thousand years. Although batiked textile remnants have been discovered in China and Egypt, the most proficient ones, however, can be found in Java, Indonesia. The term ‘batik’ is derived from the Javanese word ‘ambatik’, which means ‘to mark with a point’.
Batik is a fabric decoration technique that involves the application of hot wax and dye to the fabric. The wax acts as a resistant to the dye to create a pattern. Different instruments such as cantings (tjantings), brushes, and copper caps are used to create shapes, patterns, and lines directly in molten wax or stamp them on the fabric (tjaps). Dip-dying or direct painting on dyes are used to colour the fabric. The colour is taken up by the fabric where the wax is not there.
Techniques Of Batik
Written Batik
Written batik is created by using a tool called a canting to write wax liquid on the cloth's surface. Hand-written batik takes between one to three months to make, depending on the complexity and detail. It is a longer and more complicated process than others because it is traditional and manual. On the up side, it means that each piece will be unique.
Stamped Batik
Stamped batik is made with a stamp tool comprising copper plates, one of which has a batik motif on it. People who are professionals in the field make the stamp tool or canting cap. Making batik using a cap is similar to using a stamp, but instead of ink, waxes are used.
Painted Batik
This involves painting on a white cloth with a medium or a combination of mediums such as canting, brush, banana stalks, broomsticks, cotton, toothpicks, patchwork, etc. The essence lies in the process of creating the batik design without using popular motifs. Just like written batik, it also offers a certain uniqueness in each piece.
Batik DIY Tutorials For You
Interesting, right? Batik art can be a lot of fun and the best part is that the materials are also easily available. So ready, get, set, go!
Also Read: All You Need To Know About Block Printing
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