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Making Batik
11:17 AM
Making Batik
By Daniel Shilson
Traditional hand-crafted batik or batik tulis uses cotton or silk. Good quality, densely woven fabrics work best as the wax adheres more closely to the fibres. The material to be used is washed and boiled number of times in water to remove all traces of starch and sizing substances such as lime or chalk. Traditionally the cloth would be pounded or ironed to make it smoother and easier to receive the wax, although in modern times higher quality machine-made cloth makes this step unnecessary. The cloth is usually white or cream in its original state.
The wax used in the batik-making process is commonly a mixture of beeswax and paraffin. Beeswax is used because it is easily shaped without breaking and paraffin cracks easily which creates the desired visual effect. Natural resins are sometimes added to aid adhesiveness, and animal fats make the wax more liquid. The exact quantity of ingredients for the wax is a closely guarded secret for each individual crafts person. Intricate details of the design are drawn using high quality wax while large areas are filled in with a lower quality cheaper wax. The wax must be kept at the correct temperature: too cold will set in the mouth of the canting tool; and too hot will flow too quickly and be difficult to control.
The wax is heated in a small iron or earthenware wok called a wajan over a charcoal stove or gas burner. While the wax is being applied to the cloth, the remainder is kept in a molten state. The tool used to draw the patterns on the fabric is called a canting or tjanting. This is a small copper container with a long thin spout. The wax flows down the spout and which is used by the artisan to draw patterns, lines or dots. The canting is attached to a bamboo handle to make it easier to manipulate. A batik maker will usually possess a number of canting with spouts in slightly different sizes.
By Daniel Shilson
Traditional hand-crafted batik or batik tulis uses cotton or silk. Good quality, densely woven fabrics work best as the wax adheres more closely to the fibres. The material to be used is washed and boiled number of times in water to remove all traces of starch and sizing substances such as lime or chalk. Traditionally the cloth would be pounded or ironed to make it smoother and easier to receive the wax, although in modern times higher quality machine-made cloth makes this step unnecessary. The cloth is usually white or cream in its original state.
The wax used in the batik-making process is commonly a mixture of beeswax and paraffin. Beeswax is used because it is easily shaped without breaking and paraffin cracks easily which creates the desired visual effect. Natural resins are sometimes added to aid adhesiveness, and animal fats make the wax more liquid. The exact quantity of ingredients for the wax is a closely guarded secret for each individual crafts person. Intricate details of the design are drawn using high quality wax while large areas are filled in with a lower quality cheaper wax. The wax must be kept at the correct temperature: too cold will set in the mouth of the canting tool; and too hot will flow too quickly and be difficult to control.
The wax is heated in a small iron or earthenware wok called a wajan over a charcoal stove or gas burner. While the wax is being applied to the cloth, the remainder is kept in a molten state. The tool used to draw the patterns on the fabric is called a canting or tjanting. This is a small copper container with a long thin spout. The wax flows down the spout and which is used by the artisan to draw patterns, lines or dots. The canting is attached to a bamboo handle to make it easier to manipulate. A batik maker will usually possess a number of canting with spouts in slightly different sizes.
History of Batik
11:14 AM
History of Batik
By Daniel Shilson
Using wax as the resist method for dyeing cloth is an ancient practice. Archaeological excavations in Egypt have uncovered samples of linen covered in wax and patterned with a sharp tool used to wrap mummies dating from the 4th century BCE. Evidence of wax-resist dyeing methods has been found in China, India, Japan and West Africa from the 6th and 7th centuries CE. The history of batik production in Indonesia predates written records causing disagreement between historians as to the precise origins of batik in the archipelago. One argument is that the wax-resist method was brought to Java by Hindu explorers in the 7th century CE. However, there are batik making traditions in parts of Indonesia not directly affected by Hinduism such as Flores and Halmahera, suggesting that it evolved independently.
In Java, examples of the highly intricate patterns associated with batik have been found in the carving on temple statuary dating from the 13th century, suggesting that such methods were already common. The historian G.P. Rouffaer argues that these patterns could only be produced by the canting (or tjanting) tool: the copper spout on a bamboo handle used in batik making. Batik cloth is described in the Sejarah Melayu, a history of the kings of the Malay archipelago, as far back as the 17th century, and Dutch explorers in the same era were impressed by '...fabrics, highly decorated'.
By Daniel Shilson
Using wax as the resist method for dyeing cloth is an ancient practice. Archaeological excavations in Egypt have uncovered samples of linen covered in wax and patterned with a sharp tool used to wrap mummies dating from the 4th century BCE. Evidence of wax-resist dyeing methods has been found in China, India, Japan and West Africa from the 6th and 7th centuries CE. The history of batik production in Indonesia predates written records causing disagreement between historians as to the precise origins of batik in the archipelago. One argument is that the wax-resist method was brought to Java by Hindu explorers in the 7th century CE. However, there are batik making traditions in parts of Indonesia not directly affected by Hinduism such as Flores and Halmahera, suggesting that it evolved independently.
In Java, examples of the highly intricate patterns associated with batik have been found in the carving on temple statuary dating from the 13th century, suggesting that such methods were already common. The historian G.P. Rouffaer argues that these patterns could only be produced by the canting (or tjanting) tool: the copper spout on a bamboo handle used in batik making. Batik cloth is described in the Sejarah Melayu, a history of the kings of the Malay archipelago, as far back as the 17th century, and Dutch explorers in the same era were impressed by '...fabrics, highly decorated'.
Batik Fabric Production - The Old Is New Again
11:13 AM
Batik Fabric Production - The Old Is New Again
By Sew Batik
Introduction If you are passionate about textiles with exotic color and texture the chances are good you have a special love for batiks. It's easy to be captivated by these stunning color-saturated marvels. While there always seems to be a place in a batik lover's stash for a new "Bali" few of us know much about the fascinating, time-honored processes that are used to make our batik fabrics. In order to discover where the batiks in our local fabric store come from, let's take a virtual trip into an Indonesian batik factory.
Batik making is an ancient art for embellishing cloth through the use of wax, (or other media that creates resist), and dyes. While batik fabric is produced in India, China, Thailand and in several African nations, it is most renowned in Indonesia and Malaysia. In these areas there are two basic processes used to produce batik fabric; Batik Tulis (hand drawn batik) and Batik Cap (stamped batik). This article will focus on the production of stamped batik.
By Sew Batik
Introduction If you are passionate about textiles with exotic color and texture the chances are good you have a special love for batiks. It's easy to be captivated by these stunning color-saturated marvels. While there always seems to be a place in a batik lover's stash for a new "Bali" few of us know much about the fascinating, time-honored processes that are used to make our batik fabrics. In order to discover where the batiks in our local fabric store come from, let's take a virtual trip into an Indonesian batik factory.
Batik making is an ancient art for embellishing cloth through the use of wax, (or other media that creates resist), and dyes. While batik fabric is produced in India, China, Thailand and in several African nations, it is most renowned in Indonesia and Malaysia. In these areas there are two basic processes used to produce batik fabric; Batik Tulis (hand drawn batik) and Batik Cap (stamped batik). This article will focus on the production of stamped batik.
Batik's Cultural Influence
11:12 AM
Batik's Cultural Influence
By Daniel Shilson
Although batik is produced in other parts of the world, Indonesia can be considered its spiritual home and where the art form has been developed to the greatest level of sophistication. Batik cloth is probably Indonesia's most famous artistic and cultural legacy and was recognized by UNESCO in 2009 as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity; an award that reflects the continuing importance that batik plays in the cultural life of the Indonesian people.
Batik in Indonesia plays many roles: a sophisticated art form; a vital part of the nation's cultural heritage; a symbol of national identity (particularly in batik-producing regions); a promotional tool for tourism, both as an image of the country and as a draw for special-interest tourists; and as a contributor to economic development. Batik production employs hundreds of thousands of people throughout the country, mainly in small enterprises, contributing effectively to the development of often quite poor villages and small towns.
By Daniel Shilson
Although batik is produced in other parts of the world, Indonesia can be considered its spiritual home and where the art form has been developed to the greatest level of sophistication. Batik cloth is probably Indonesia's most famous artistic and cultural legacy and was recognized by UNESCO in 2009 as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity; an award that reflects the continuing importance that batik plays in the cultural life of the Indonesian people.
Batik in Indonesia plays many roles: a sophisticated art form; a vital part of the nation's cultural heritage; a symbol of national identity (particularly in batik-producing regions); a promotional tool for tourism, both as an image of the country and as a draw for special-interest tourists; and as a contributor to economic development. Batik production employs hundreds of thousands of people throughout the country, mainly in small enterprises, contributing effectively to the development of often quite poor villages and small towns.
An Introduction To Batik
11:11 AM
An Introduction To Batik
By Daniel Shilson
Nelson Mandela is often seen wearing an intricately patterned shirt in vivid colors. Most people probably assume this is a tribal design using an age-old African method of dyeing cloth. In fact, the shirts Mandela proudly sports have their origins halfway across the world, on the islands of the Malay archipelago, where the cloth is known as batik. The tradition of producing batik cloth was brought to South Africa by Javanese laborers forcibly transported by the Dutch East India Company to the Western Cape. The Madiba shirt (named after Mandela's clan name) adapts traditional batik using African colors and motifs and demonstrates its versatility and widespread appeal.
Batik is probably the most famous of the resist methods of dyeing cloth. Resist dyeing involves applying a substance that stops dye from reaching certain parts of the fabric in order to create a pattern. This method can use wax (as in Javanese batik), rice paste (Japanese tsutsugaki) or can tie off a section of the fabric ('tie-dye' or Indian bandhani). In most parts of South-East Asia, the wax is applied using a copper spout allowing the craftsman to create intricate patterns and differing width of line. New areas of wax can be applied and the cloth which is usually cotton or silk, can be re-dyed allowing for greater complexity in design and color. After the design and coloration are finished the wax is removed and the cloth is ready for use. These traditional methods of creating batik are extremely time-consuming and require a high level of skill so various labor-saving devices have been introduced to the process including brushes for the wax and copper stamps that apply the wax. Any hand-produced batik takes a long time and can be very costly, so much of modern batik cloth is in fact batik print, retaining the patterns and colors of batik but without using the wax dying technique.
By Daniel Shilson
Nelson Mandela is often seen wearing an intricately patterned shirt in vivid colors. Most people probably assume this is a tribal design using an age-old African method of dyeing cloth. In fact, the shirts Mandela proudly sports have their origins halfway across the world, on the islands of the Malay archipelago, where the cloth is known as batik. The tradition of producing batik cloth was brought to South Africa by Javanese laborers forcibly transported by the Dutch East India Company to the Western Cape. The Madiba shirt (named after Mandela's clan name) adapts traditional batik using African colors and motifs and demonstrates its versatility and widespread appeal.
Batik is probably the most famous of the resist methods of dyeing cloth. Resist dyeing involves applying a substance that stops dye from reaching certain parts of the fabric in order to create a pattern. This method can use wax (as in Javanese batik), rice paste (Japanese tsutsugaki) or can tie off a section of the fabric ('tie-dye' or Indian bandhani). In most parts of South-East Asia, the wax is applied using a copper spout allowing the craftsman to create intricate patterns and differing width of line. New areas of wax can be applied and the cloth which is usually cotton or silk, can be re-dyed allowing for greater complexity in design and color. After the design and coloration are finished the wax is removed and the cloth is ready for use. These traditional methods of creating batik are extremely time-consuming and require a high level of skill so various labor-saving devices have been introduced to the process including brushes for the wax and copper stamps that apply the wax. Any hand-produced batik takes a long time and can be very costly, so much of modern batik cloth is in fact batik print, retaining the patterns and colors of batik but without using the wax dying technique.
Batik Industry Embraces Modernization
11:10 AM
Batik Industry Embraces Modernization
By Jackson Paterson
No trip to Malaysia is complete without a visit to the Batik Factories and breaking your head over what to buy from the resplendent array of batik work products. Batik is an art practiced in many 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's much more to this art that makes it a national art of Malaysia. Batik has a timeless appeal; Batik Sarongs were a much loved attire of Malays and people from various other parts of the world and even now, Batik has a magnetic presence that draws tourists and 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 and even wood. The products made out of these innovations are also varied and not just restricted to apparel. Charming ethnic accessories are created using these new techniques that have a high demand from locals and tourists alike. Modern styles of batik are also more of a mix of various art forms such as painting, etching, blocks, use of stencils and various other tools for discharge of wax. This has resulted in a breakout from the traditional block designs to a more diverse range of prints.
By Jackson Paterson
No trip to Malaysia is complete without a visit to the Batik Factories and breaking your head over what to buy from the resplendent array of batik work products. Batik is an art practiced in many 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's much more to this art that makes it a national art of Malaysia. Batik has a timeless appeal; Batik Sarongs were a much loved attire of Malays and people from various other parts of the world and even now, Batik has a magnetic presence that draws tourists and 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 and even wood. The products made out of these innovations are also varied and not just restricted to apparel. Charming ethnic accessories are created using these new techniques that have a high demand from locals and tourists alike. Modern styles of batik are also more of a mix of various art forms such as painting, etching, blocks, use of stencils and various other tools for discharge of wax. This has resulted in a breakout from the traditional block designs to a more diverse range of prints.
Types of Batik
11:09 AM
Types of Batik
By Daniel Shilson
The art of decorating cloth using wax and dye is an age-old tradition and has been discovered in many parts of the world. However, the development of the technique to the highly sophisticated and intricate form known as batik first took place on the island of Java, principally in and around the royal cities of Yogyakarta and Surakarta (usually known as Solo). There are batik-making traditions in many parts of Indonesia and further afield, but Javanese batik is the quintessential example of the form.
The oldest batik-making tradition in Java comes from the kraton (royal courts) of the cities of Yogyakarta and Solo in Central Java. Javanese royalty were great patrons of the arts, including puppetry, gamelan orchestras, silverwork, and batik production. Certain patterns were reserved for the royal family, and batik played an important role in Javanese culture and tradition. Batik from Yogyakarta traditionally uses colors such as black, brown, indigo and dark yellow, on a white background, while batik from Solo features dark yellow as the background color. The royal courts of both cities still house factories for the production of traditional batik, and host markets where fine batik can be bought.
By Daniel Shilson
The art of decorating cloth using wax and dye is an age-old tradition and has been discovered in many parts of the world. However, the development of the technique to the highly sophisticated and intricate form known as batik first took place on the island of Java, principally in and around the royal cities of Yogyakarta and Surakarta (usually known as Solo). There are batik-making traditions in many parts of Indonesia and further afield, but Javanese batik is the quintessential example of the form.
The oldest batik-making tradition in Java comes from the kraton (royal courts) of the cities of Yogyakarta and Solo in Central Java. Javanese royalty were great patrons of the arts, including puppetry, gamelan orchestras, silverwork, and batik production. Certain patterns were reserved for the royal family, and batik played an important role in Javanese culture and tradition. Batik from Yogyakarta traditionally uses colors such as black, brown, indigo and dark yellow, on a white background, while batik from Solo features dark yellow as the background color. The royal courts of both cities still house factories for the production of traditional batik, and host markets where fine batik can be bought.
Batik - An Identity of Indonesia
11:07 AM
Batik - An Identity of Indonesia
By Blaine F Johnston
Indonesia is a multicultural country which consists of thousand islands and tribes. The differences of demography and geography cause cultural differences, including the outfits worn by each tribe. Batik is one of the outfits that are quite popular, and its popularity has been known worldwide.
If you watch TV and see the President of Indonesia talking in public or in international conferences, you may see him wearing such an ethnic shirt with unique motifs. That is what so called batik, the national clothes of Indonesia citizens.
In some occasions, Indonesian may wear their traditional outfits, such as kebaya, baju kurung, ulos, etc. But when they come to national events, batik talks much. This outfit is a symbol of unity. It is a uniform which is considered as a must. This is a way to show how proud they are to be Indonesia citizens.
Indonesian Batik has been claimed as Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity for all the techniques, technology, motif development, and the cultural values needed to make a piece of it. It is because the process includes two factors: coloring techniques and the choice of the motifs. This step is not easy since every motif should have a characteristic.
Indonesian believe that the existence of Batik started in Majapahit era, and increasingly popular in the end of 18th century or he beginning of 19th century. Batik was actually purely handmade, but later on, as the technology has developed, it is mostly printed. What supports this change the most is the amount of orders. The handmade ones do need long time of painting, but the printed ones need shorter time.
Years ago, batik was only worn in formal occasions. At that time, Indonesian tend to choose batik instead of tuxedo or other formal outfits. But today, batik is even worn by students and employees as their uniform in certain days, such as every Friday.
In some families, Batik is even considered as a tradition. It makes them have their own motifs which are different from other families. It is like their identity, since the motifs can even show their economical status. Until now, the traditional motifs are still used by the family of Yogyakarta and Surakarta residence. Batik is probably the most unique outfit you have ever known. Where else you can find that brands do not talk much, but motifs do?
Blaine Johnston loves writing articles about many topics. To see his newest article, you can visit [http://squirrelpestcontrol.net/], which reviews and lists the best brandon pest control [http://squirrelpestcontrol.net/brandon-pest-control.html] for your needs.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Blaine_F_Johnston
By Blaine F Johnston
Indonesia is a multicultural country which consists of thousand islands and tribes. The differences of demography and geography cause cultural differences, including the outfits worn by each tribe. Batik is one of the outfits that are quite popular, and its popularity has been known worldwide.
If you watch TV and see the President of Indonesia talking in public or in international conferences, you may see him wearing such an ethnic shirt with unique motifs. That is what so called batik, the national clothes of Indonesia citizens.
In some occasions, Indonesian may wear their traditional outfits, such as kebaya, baju kurung, ulos, etc. But when they come to national events, batik talks much. This outfit is a symbol of unity. It is a uniform which is considered as a must. This is a way to show how proud they are to be Indonesia citizens.
Indonesian Batik has been claimed as Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity for all the techniques, technology, motif development, and the cultural values needed to make a piece of it. It is because the process includes two factors: coloring techniques and the choice of the motifs. This step is not easy since every motif should have a characteristic.
Indonesian believe that the existence of Batik started in Majapahit era, and increasingly popular in the end of 18th century or he beginning of 19th century. Batik was actually purely handmade, but later on, as the technology has developed, it is mostly printed. What supports this change the most is the amount of orders. The handmade ones do need long time of painting, but the printed ones need shorter time.
Years ago, batik was only worn in formal occasions. At that time, Indonesian tend to choose batik instead of tuxedo or other formal outfits. But today, batik is even worn by students and employees as their uniform in certain days, such as every Friday.
In some families, Batik is even considered as a tradition. It makes them have their own motifs which are different from other families. It is like their identity, since the motifs can even show their economical status. Until now, the traditional motifs are still used by the family of Yogyakarta and Surakarta residence. Batik is probably the most unique outfit you have ever known. Where else you can find that brands do not talk much, but motifs do?
Blaine Johnston loves writing articles about many topics. To see his newest article, you can visit [http://squirrelpestcontrol.net/], which reviews and lists the best brandon pest control [http://squirrelpestcontrol.net/brandon-pest-control.html] for your needs.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Blaine_F_Johnston
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