Resist-dyeing itself is a very interesting concept of introducing patterns to a fabric by omitting colors in places in an artistic way, while allowing them on the rest of it. Among many practiced resist-dyeing techniques, one of the most fascinating and perhaps the easiest after tie-dye, is ‘Batik’.
The Batik art is generally believed to have originated in the famous island “Java” of Indonesia around 1516 BC. And Europeans are considered first to have learnt this art from Java. As confirmed by the various sources, Batik also has a history in ancient Egypt. Gradually this simple and yet so sophisticated art earned huge appreciation and acceptance and got spread from one country to another, including India, Japan, America and Africa. In ancient times, women loved to use this art to engage themselves in something amusing to make use of their spare time. Triggering their creative instincts, they came up with captivating designs, most of which were nature-inspired. Sculptures of Ajanta, Ellora and Khajuraho also served as a stimulus to this art form.
Tjanting being used for Batik
(Image Source : poststar.com )
Batik being an Indonesian term is supposedly derived from the word “ambatik’’, where ‘tik’ refers to a ‘drop’. As such, in Batik art resist-dye is implemented by dripping drops of a liquid on the fabric to be dyed, preferably using ‘wax’. The part of the cloth stained with wax doesn’t accept colors and thus giving it a beautifully captivating pattern. Designs are made either with free-hand (could be done with candle) or intricate patterns could be made using wooden blocks, where the blocks are dipped in molten wax and then stamped on the fabric. The waxed cloth is then dyed in cold dyes to prevent the wax from melting away. Once dyed as desired, the wax is removed by plunging the fabric in hot water. Another unique feature of Batik is the freckles or crooked lines that form on the cloth where the color has seeped-in through the cracks in the wax. Sometimes cracks are made on purpose by wringing the cloth, as those freckles have a peculiar beauty of their own. A pen-like tool called ‘tjanting’, with a deep notch on the tip to hold wax, is used to pour hot wax on the fabric. Most commonly used fabrics are cotton, silk, linen and voile and what’s important is that the fabric should be made starch-free before use. Getting rid of the starch is the first step in Batik. White or light colored fabrics are ideal for Batik and when making a multicolored Batik, the cloth should be dyed in the lightest to darkest order. Apart from the wax, paraffin and Beeswax are fused together to prepare the final wax solution. Though the wax should neither be steaming hot nor should it be allowed to get scaly.
wooden blocks carved with intricate patterns
(Image Source : Pinterest )
Besides the wardrobe, Batik also is a great addition to home-decor in the form of wall-hangings, lamp-shades, paintings, curtains, tea-cosy, cushions and the likes.
Though, today Batik of India has managed to attract art-lovers from all over the world and special exhibitions have been arranged in countries like Czechoslovakia , Germany and Japan, but there was once a time, when Batik art had started losing its significance in India. In fact this art was revived in India by Sri Rabindranath Tagore, who was so mesmerised by the exceptional beauty of Batik that he sent his son and daughter-in-law to Java to master this art and later Batik was introduced as a subject in Shanti Niketan under his guardianship. Soon, Batik evolved all over again, influenced by the cultural nuances of India.
Vibrant example of Indonesian Batik
( Image source: Indobatik.com )
With increasing importance to and willingness among the masses to sustain the handicraft industry, Batik art is still so relevant and highly in demand. Taking into consideration the fact, that how an easy and cost effective art could help earn a few families their daily bread, we being the better-off dwellers of the society are obliged to do our bit by making more room for the ‘handmade’ both in our hearts and our homes.
By Zainab Samar
