BATIK IN INDIA

Batik method of decorating fabrics practiced for centuries by the

natives of Indonesia. It consists of applying a design to the surface
of the cloth by using melted wax. The material is then dipped in
cool vegetable dye; the portions protected by the wax do not
receive the dye, and when the wax is removed in hot water the
previously covered areas display a light pattern on the colored
ground. Remains of clothing found in Java indicate that the same
or similar patterns have been in use for about 1,000 years and are
handed down in families. Certain designs were traditionally
reserved for royalty and high officials. Motifs are geometric or are
based on conventionalized natural objects. Cotton cloth is
generally used, and some silk. Batik was first brought into Europe
by Dutch traders. In the 19th cent., Western artisans adopted the
art.

BATIK IN THAILAND

The word batik conjures thoughts of exotic, Oriental textiles, rich in

colour and design. Bright batik cloth can be seen on almost any beach in
the form of sarongs and has been utilized to make shirts, ties, scarves and
even shoes in the fashion industry. Interior decoration may use batik
tablecloths, curtains, placemats and even picture frames. This versatile and
durable textile is being applied to more areas everyday and not only that,
but the process of making batik is becoming a popular past time with
visitors to Phuket.

The origins of this intricate art form are largely unknown. Evidence of
batik work has been found all over the Middle East, India and Central Asia
however, for a long time it has been most prevalent in Java, Indonesia.
When batik was introduced in Java, it was mostly practiced as a hobby by
fine ladies and so the ability to make the exquisite cloth was considered a
sign of refinement. Initially batik cloth was used to make costumes for
aristocrats and royalty and sometimes, particular designs would signify a
persons family, social status or origin.

BATIK IN CHINA

Batik is done by the ethnic people in Guizhou Province, in the

South-West of China. The Miao, Bouyei and Gejia people use a
dye resist method for their traditional costumes. The traditional
costumes are made up of decorative fabrics, which they achieve by
pattern weaving and wax resist. Almost all the Miao decorate hemp
and cotton by applying hot wax then dipping the cloth in an indigo
dye. The cloth is then used for skirts, panels on jackets, aprons and
baby carriers. Like the Javanese, their traditional patterns also
contain symbolism, the patterns include the dragon, phoenix, and
flowers.

BATIK IN JAPAN

Batiking is a way of decorating fabric in Indonesia. Hot wax is

applied to fabric before it is soaked in fabric dye. The areas
covered by the wax are protected and do not soak up the dye.
When the wax is removed the original color of the fabric is
revealed. For a short time Japan occupied Indonesia. The Japanese
were highly influenced by the batik process and they began
incorporating it into their crafts and artworks.

BATIK IN MALAYSIA

Batik was mentioned in the

17th
century
Malay
Annals. The legend goes
when Laksamana Hang
Nadim was ordered by
Malacca King, Sultan
Mahmud, to sail to India to
buy 140 pieces of serasah
cloth (batik) with 40 types
of flowers depicted on each. Unable to find any that fulfilled the
requirements explained to him, he made up his own. On his return
unfortunately his ship sank and he only managed to bring four
pieces, earning displeasure from the Sultan.
The method of Malaysian batik making is different from those of
Indonesian Javanese batik, the pattern being larger and simpler
with only occasional use of the canting to create intricate patterns.
It relies heavily on brush painting to apply colors to fabrics. The
colors also tend to be lighter and more vibrant than deep colored
Javanese batik. The most popular motifs are leaves and flowers.
Malaysian batik often displays plants and flowers to avoid the
interpretation of human and animal images as idolatry, in
accordance with local Islamic doctrine. However, the butterfly
theme is a common exception

PROJECT
IN
ART
Submitted by:
Rowen Guevarra
Submitted to:
Heroe Sedico