What is batik? We've all seen it - its cloth that uses a wax-resist technique of dying to produce various patterns. Recent advances in printing however have changed batik from the point of view that many products sold as batik are not the real deal.
It is commonly thought that early Malaysian batik was created using wooden blocks which was known as "batik chop". In the 1920's the introduction of wax and copper blocks was made by the Javanese batik makers.
In the 1960's hand drawn batik or "batik tulis" was made into a commercial pursuit. This method is dependent entirely upon whatever the artist is inspired to draw at the time thus there is less formality than the traditional ways.
Prices for batik works depend very much upon the intricacy of the craft person - the design, the fabric, the type of dyes used and the complexity of the product. Of course, the price is also dependent upon the amount of time taken to produce the product. Many batik pieces run into thousands of dollars.
In times gone by Javanese batiks were sold to the rest of Indonesia and also exported into Malaysia. They were then useas sarongs or dresses or adornments around the house, as mentioned.
Javanese batik is considered to be the best in the world because of its intricate design. However, ask a Malaysian about this and of course you will hear differently! There is many a highly skilled batik maker in Malaysia for sure - many of the original tribes people of Sarawak and Sabah in what used to be known as North Borneo in Malaysia still make batiks by hand and they are particularly pleasing to behold! - 33385
It is commonly thought that early Malaysian batik was created using wooden blocks which was known as "batik chop". In the 1920's the introduction of wax and copper blocks was made by the Javanese batik makers.
In the 1960's hand drawn batik or "batik tulis" was made into a commercial pursuit. This method is dependent entirely upon whatever the artist is inspired to draw at the time thus there is less formality than the traditional ways.
Prices for batik works depend very much upon the intricacy of the craft person - the design, the fabric, the type of dyes used and the complexity of the product. Of course, the price is also dependent upon the amount of time taken to produce the product. Many batik pieces run into thousands of dollars.
In times gone by Javanese batiks were sold to the rest of Indonesia and also exported into Malaysia. They were then useas sarongs or dresses or adornments around the house, as mentioned.
Javanese batik is considered to be the best in the world because of its intricate design. However, ask a Malaysian about this and of course you will hear differently! There is many a highly skilled batik maker in Malaysia for sure - many of the original tribes people of Sarawak and Sabah in what used to be known as North Borneo in Malaysia still make batiks by hand and they are particularly pleasing to behold! - 33385
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For more on batik making, Malaysian fashions why not come and stay at Kuching hotels or at the beautiful Damai.
