The History of Indonesian Batik

Long ago, in the ancient period around 1500 years ago, the dye resist designs on the cloth were present in Egypt and the Middle East along with the two major countries, samples are also present in Turkey, India, China, Japan and West Africa around hundreds of years ago. In the present date, Batik is highly developed kind of art found on the island of Java, Indonesia. In the 17th century, the fabrics were highly decorated with Dutch transcripts, by it is often believed that complicated designs in Java were possible when the finely woven imported cloth that was from India to Indonesia in 1800s and then from Europe in 1815. The similar Batik designs that were completed on textiles earlier are noticed on stone statues that are beautifully sculptured on the walls of Javanese temples like Prambanan AD 800, but then it is not yet confirmed that the cloth was Batik. These designs could be produced by weaving techniques . However, by the 19th century became greatly developed kind of art in the cultural life of the Javanese.

Batik is an artistic technique of dyeing a cloth by using a wax-resist method. Wax-resist method is the most traditional way to dye or color a cloth. This method prevents the dye from spreading on the whole cloth and so as to give a beautiful pattern or design on the cloth. Batik is regarded as the cultural and traditional art in Indonesia. The traditional colors used for Batik are deep shades of indigo, dark brown and white which symbolize the three main Hindu Gods. Javanese Batik, from Jog Jakarta with some particular meaning is present in countries of West Africa like Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Uganda and Mali with the true Javanese idea, and in Asia like India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Iran, Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Burma.

Known as the great fans of art, Javanese royalty supported the development of traditional art form like silver embellishment, leather puppets known as wayang kulit in java and gamelan orchestra. The Javanese dalang (puppeteer) was a major source for the Batik patterns . Wayang puppets are made from goat skin which was treated and colored to build false impression on the puppet, were usually sold to ladies who could get the necessary idea of batik designs from these puppets. The used charcoal and blew it through the holes that portray the design of puppet clothing, so that they could copy complicated patterns onto the cloth.

There were some specific Batik designs worn by the Javanese royalty and thus it was felt that Batik was originally meant to be worn by the monarchs of the royal Sultan's palace. The Princesses and royal ladies might have encouraged the finest designs of Batik that reflect the traditional patters. Well, the untidy dyeing work with consequent waxing was completed by the court artisans who worked under their direction.

However, some students deny the fact that Batik was originally meant for royalty as they feel that it is meant for the rakyat, the people . It was regarded as a significant job for young ladies of the Central Java, revealing the fact that they are capable enough to handle a canting (an device shaped like pen to apply wax to the cloth) with enough tact and skill  like skills used in cookery or other household arts.

Batik Manufacturing Embraces Tranformation

No trip to Malaysia is complete without a visit to the Batik Factories & breaking your head over what to buy from the resplendent array of batik work products. Batik is an art practiced in lots of countries in Asia where wax is used to draw a design on cloth; the fabric is dyed in various bright colors that are not absorbed by the wax filled designs alone. Later this wax is removed using a solvent or by ironing it out. But this is not all! There is much more to this art that makes it a national art of Malaysia. Batik has a timeless appeal; Batik Sarongs were a much loved apparel of Malays & people from various other parts of the world & even now, Batik has a magnetic presence that draws tourists & locals to its hold.

Modern day Batik is all about innovation! It moves out of the traditional Batik printing methods to experiment on various surfaces such as silk, cotton, wool, leather, paper & even wood. The products made out of these innovations are also varied & not  restricted to apparel. Charming ethnic accessories are created using these new techniques that have a high demand from locals & tourists similar. Modern styles of batik are also more of a mix of various art forms such as painting, etching, blocks, use of stencils & various other tools for discharge of wax. This has resulted in a breakout from the traditional block designs to a more variety of prints.

The latest Batik news is its adaptability to various different materials that make it a wonderful device for creativity. The past few years have seen a revolution in use of batiks in apparel, accessories, furniture covers, stationary, footwear & lots of other consumer products. Lots of artists have become famous because of their involvement in this prospering batik industry. There's now online classes for batik making techniques & tips on working with batik. Check out batik blogs to see the latest designs in batik & to learn how innovatively this art is used

The Batik industry is Malaysia has been given an additional impetus to experiment with new trends by the Malaysian Government in its hard work to promote Batik as a national art form. When custom & innovation blend together, the result is astounding & that is the case with batik too. Now, you are able to find batik featuring in fashion shows & on the shelves of most high finish designer wear outlets. All state functions give important to batik; important dignitaries & foreign visitors wear batik to respect the custom of the country.

Two process of baju batik are practiced in Malaysia, the hand crafted Batik & block-printed batik. In spite of technological improvements in Batik work, hand-drawn Batik retains its share of market & is valued for its exquisiteness. Handcrafted Batik products are more expensive than block printed products because of the time & hard work spent in making each piece. But the resulting product is well worth the cost. So next time you visit Malaysia, make positive you have lots of space in your luggage to bring back wonderful batik souvenirs to cherish.