[Kristin]

Source: www.theglobal-review.com

The word batik comes from the term titik, a dot, point or drop, referring to the wax dots that make up the pattern. The word itself has three distinct meanings.

First, batik refers to the actual process of applying melted wax to cloth (or other surfaces) by hand, then dyeing the cloth. The wax acts as a resist to the dye colors.

- Batik tulis, meaning "writing", is waxed completely by hand using the canting tool. This is the most expensive batik due to the long process and high level of skill needed. You'll see slight differences in the thickness of the wax line, and the details show variation in size or shape.
- Batik cap (chop) is waxed with the copper stamp called a cap. This also takes skill to create an even pattern on the cloth, but it's much faster to make than batik tulis. You'll notice a set thickness to the lines because they're all the same from the width of the copper strips. Also, if you open the cloth and let your eye blur slightly, you can sometimes notice the shape of the stamp is separated a bit from the one next to it. Batik cap is the least expensive of hand-processed batiks.
- Batik kombinasi combines both techniques on one cloth. First the main design is waxed with a cap, then the batiker adds details with the canting. Batik kombinasi is priced in the mid-range.

Source: www.eastjava.com

Secondly, the word applies to the finished product itself – a batik cloth.

Third, the word has come to mean the patterns themselves. So some would say a cloth that has been screen printed to look like batik, but was not made with wax or dyes, is batik also.

Unfortunately, these screen-printed cloths have become so widespread, that most people cannot tell the difference between hand made, wax processed batiks and screen-printing. With new technology, the quality of these screen-printed fabrics can be extremely difficult to distinguish between them and original batiks. One indication is their low price since no hand work is involved.

Batik – Garment of the Centuries

Source: http://trendvogue.net/

One thing for non-Indonesians to realize is that for hundreds of years, the batik kain panjang, 2.5 meter-long cloth, was wrapped around the body and worn every day by commoners and royalty alike. This was the garment industry in a sense. Up until the late 1970s, early '80s, many women wore only batik kain panjang. By the 1960s batik fabric was made up into blouses, skirts, men's shirts and other garments.

Gradually more modern dress replaced batik for everyday use. Now men and women often wear traditional batik for special occasions only. On the streets, however, the batik patterns are quite visible, many on silkscreened modern clothing styles.
Indonesians sometimes devalue batik as "just a garment." It's not something special, it's just what you wear everyday. Our task as carriers of this heritage is to make people aware of this long history and the unique quality of Indonesian batik, found no where else in the world.


Article Source: http://www.winotosastro.com/

[Kristin]

History of Batik: How Did Batik Come to Java?

While fragments of wax-resist or batik cloth have survived in parts of the world, dating to early 5th and 6th centuries AD in Egypt, and 8th century AD Japan, it's not known with certainty where this process began. Some researchers feel the technique was developed in India then spread out from there.

One thing is sure, trade between India and Southeast Asia was mentioned as early as the 1st century AD. By 1200 the Hindu religion and culture was a major influence in many parts of what is now Indonesia. Imported Indian textiles continued to have a deep impact in the region well into the early 19th century. In 1518 the first known use of the word tulis was associated with a shipment of trade goods from Java.

Today distinctive traditional batik styles can be found in Africa, China, Malaysia, Sri Langka and Northern Thailand. But of all the places known for traditional batik, none are as famous for their rich heritage of patterns and colors as Indonesia, especially Javanese batik.


Article Source: http://www.winotosastro.com/