Very unique artistic batiks are produced on the island of Java. Java is located in Indonesia. Batiks are created by master craftsmen considered experts in dyes. People who incorporate this process are considered dyers. They develop new and intriguing looks and styles, in different fabrics. The idea is to create something new and exciting as it applies to adding value to what is not yet referenced within the fabric and textile industry.

When creating a batik, the most imperative thing is to explore a batik that has not yet been introduced in the world market. The target above must be the target of skilled Batik-Dawn craftsman Michel Ryan

The fabric, when creating the most original of Batiks, is very original or unique. The fabric is hand dyed several times. Many different craftsmen work on various parts of the fabric. The work, on the island, is carried out abroad. This infers that the type of climate, on the island, will influence the final result of the art made. The process is manual and is a very expert and specialized process.

Consistency is a primary goal as it applies to pattern and color. It is important that color variations are subtle. This means that the consumer, when buying a roll of the fabric, will not buy two rolls that are exactly the same. There are always slight variations, seeing art from one screw to another and from one color to the next. The variations have something to do with the interactions of the manual processes and what happens with respect to the climatic conditions of the island and nature. Variation is what makes Batik beautiful.

The batik process:

The word Batik originates from Java and Indonesia. It is descriptive of a colored fabric and the associated process of producing patterns, making use of fabric dyes and wax, in the form of creating the design. Multi-colored batik allows for the manufacture of very complex patterns that closely resemble paintings.

The Batik process is very traditional. The craftsman uses wax and dyes to achieve colorful and intricate patterns. The art tradition is most prevalent on the Indonesian island of Java. This process has been passed down from generation to generation. It is the vocation of the women of the villages of Indonesia. The process has evolved from a hand drawing technique known as Batik Tulis. The designs, as far as this technique is concerned, are drawn by hand on the fabric. The Batik lid process was then employed. In this process, the designs are stamped on a machine. Special copper seals are used. The above, the traditional process of Batik tulis is still practiced in some communal areas; however, the process is not as common as it was years ago.

The lengthy process of making a piece of batik cloth begins with the cloth. Usually only the best quality cloth is incorporated into the process, using the finest batik. The above refinement is called Primisma quality. It is followed by the Prima quality, the biru (blue) quality, and then the merah (red) quality, which is the most rustic of the quality types.

Batik tulis is the oldest form of batik production in Indonesia. The wax is written or drawn (tulis) on a piece of cloth. The fabric is initially washed. It is then kneaded and dried. A paste made from rice or cassava and oil is applied to the cloth to prevent the wax from penetrating the fibers of the cloth. Next, the pattern creation process is done in several phases.

The first stage is mencanting. The design phase makes use of wax designs. Designs are applied to fabric. When the designs are applied, a traditional tool called canting is used in the process. This is a tool that consists of a wooden handle and a small metal cup. The cup is filled with the melted wax. The wax heats up and drips from the slanted spout onto the fabric. The wax, or Malam-Javanese translation, is traditionally beeswax. The waxed area of ​​the fabric is protected from the dye during the dyeing process.

The second phase of the process is known as mewarna. This process consists of coloring the fabric. The fabric is dyed with natural dyes, coming from plants. Waxed areas are protected from dyes; and remain color free.

The fabric is now dyed. While the wax is still on the fabric, it dries. The word for drying is mengering. It is soaked in a color fixing agent. (The word for this phase is memati warna).

The cloth is washed (membasuh dan mambilas) in water that is neither too cold nor too hot. The temperature of the water is important so as not to melt the wax.

The dye and wax process is repeated several times. This dyeing and color fixation, along with washing, is repeated until every color, design-wise, is applied and the desired pattern is complete. Sometimes during the dyeing process, the dyer accidentally breaks the wax. This is fine, because artistically a special effect is achieved. The effect is known as: menyapu lilin.

During the final phase, the craftsman scrapes off the wax with a knife. The tissue is boiled (merebus) to remove any remaining wax.

In conclusion, the designer may wish to learn the traditional process or work exclusively with Batik artisans on the island of Java. The people who create these beautiful batiks are truly some of the world’s foremost artisans.