This fabric art mannequin dates back century .

Getty Images / Rizky Panuntun

Batik is as much an art form as it is a material program . While it is a custom with ancient lineage date back centuries , batik continues to be popular in both mode and home interior decoration .

colorful batik fabric swatches

Credit:Getty Images / Rizky Panuntun

According to an article by The Batik Guild , the word ‘ batik ’ is infer from the Javanese word ‘ tik ’ meaning to disperse . Java , Indonesia , is still hail as one of the foremost producer of okay batik , though the art form has been in use throughout the world for centuries , most notably in India , South America , China , Japan , and Europe .

Here , experts share the conception and beautify contingent that set this famed fabric asunder .

What Is Batik?

Batik is a traditional art form of decorating textile using wax and dyestuff . Batik ’s artful nature is not only seen but also feel . “ If you look closely at our batik pieces you’re able to see and experience the evidence of the skilled hand behind it , ” says McClure . “ The color has a profoundness to it , the pattern forget behind by the wax has a beautiful grainy tone , and each painted pattern is a trivial minute different . ”

The grainy , unequalled nature of each batik part is achieved through a script - dyeing procedure that apply red-hot wax to dissent pop off in certain areas of the design .

History of Batik

According to The Batik Guild , some of the early examples of batik date back more than 2,000 years in fix like Central Asia , India , the Middle East , and East Asia . While each of these areas may have independently develop the proficiency , it ’s believed the craft begin in Asia before circularize to other areas along caravan trading routes .

Batik was utilized in unlike flesh in the various res publica and continent where it was initially found . For illustration , batik projection screen date stamp back to around 700 advertising have been found in Japan , while cave fresco in India show illustrations of garments that hint batik workmanship . Today , batik remains popular , especially in mode and home decor .

The Batik Process

To produce batik , hot wax is apply to the fabric through a serial of dots and line by an artisan . When the dye is apply , the areas with wax will rest untouched . The wax is then remove , typically using hot water . This process can be repeated as many time as desire , with more intricate and coloured aim require more repeat .

“ There are many different methods to batik , but they all share the cognitive operation of apply wax to fabric for create invention via resist dyeing , ” explain McClure . “ Sometimes a hollow pen is used , sometimes a brush , or even a hollow revenue stamp . ” The actual magic happens when the wax is removed , though . That ’s when McClure says one can finally see the stunning and complex design make out into full outcome .

Unique Features of Batik

“ Batik is unfeignedly a work of art on framework , ” says McClure . “ Because the fabric is hand - painted , no two separatrix are alike . ” The same can be said for the usage of colour as well . For that reason , the result is n’t one that get strictly from the human hand but or else is inspired by nature .

The oxidization process that occurs during drying as well as incompatibility with the wax lotion can also acquire unequaled art object — even when seemingly employing the same proficiency and scheme from patch to musical composition .

Even with all the nuance that come with the hand - crafted nature of batik , the tradition of the art frame remain one of its most remarkable aspects . “ I feel there is a special connection between acculturation , story , and the cloth because the technique has been handed down for so many generation and the fabrics themselves are rooted in faith and culture and can be adorned with symbolic design , ” say McClure .

How to Use Batik in Your Home

It ca n’t be deny that batik has lasting appeal . “ It has a handmade , painterly esthetic that can be used in sophisticatedtraditional interiorsor in casual country- or bungalow - style plate , ” pronounce Soriano . But , while it sure has staying power , some might find decorating with such a vivacious and elaborately detailed pattern a bit intimidate . To help sail how to integrate batik into your home , McClure and Soriano share their top ideas .

Gaffney , D. ( n.d.).The history of batik . The account of Batik | The Batik Guild . https://www.batikguild.org.uk/batik/history