The tradition of Batik in Indonesia: A unique manufacturing process
Batik is everywhere! On the catwalks, in home decoration. They are timeless masterpieces but do you really know the Batik manufacturing process? Bali Bazaar tells you more.
We are having tea in Ibu Wayan’s workshop. She has been making Batiks for almost 30 years. A smell of melted wax gently fills the air. Everything is ready to start a long and meticulous manufacturing process.
Traditional Batik manufacturing process
Hand-drawing with wax
“The selection of the fabric is crucial,” explains Ibu Wayan, who only works with cotton, rayon or silk fabrics. For Bali Bazaar, Ibu Wayan makes the Batik Kupu-Kupu – “butterfly” in Indonesian. This model requires nearly 10 days of work.
First, Ibu Wayan stretches the virgin fabric on a bamboo support. “The wax is ready!” She says, a container of melted wax on a small gas stove at her feet. She dipped the canting in the wax. It is a tool used like a stylus to collect a small amount of wax and to trace the patterns on the canvas. Ibu Wayan secures her hand and does not shake! Gradually, the wax pattern takes shape. Ibu Wayan will spend more than an hour to complete this first stage. Once the wax is dry, then the dyeing process can begin.
Hand painting and dying with natural colours
“You have to know how to mix and blend colors with care to obtain a perfect result,” explains Ibu Wayan. She applies the dye with small brushes but also with the fingers. It’s a festival of colors! It is truly fascinating to watch! It will take several hours, sometimes several days depending on the thickness of the fabric, before starting the washing and rinsing steps. The paints subside and the wax is removed. Good weather is also key. Ibu Wayan explains that in case it rains, drying becomes complicated and it slows the production down. However, the Balinese people know how to take the necessary time and act according to nature.
Once dry and free from the first wax pattern, the fabric is ready for a new wax pattern. Every design and every step of this process makes the colors and patterns stand out. Ibu Wayan will repeat the waxing, dyeing, soaking, washing and drying operations depending on the number of colors used and the complexity of the patterns.
Batik: an Indonesian cultural heritage
Batik has been part of Indonesia’s cultural heritage for centuries when it was originally reserved for royalty and elites. In 2009, Indonesian batik entered Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It differs from the Batik of other countries by its complexity and its great finesse in terms of patterns and colors. Each region of Indonesia has its own traditional patterns as well.
If the Batik Tulis is entirely drawn and dyed by hand, like our Kupu-Kupu model made by Ibu Wayan, there are also Batik Cap, for which the wax patterns are printed on the fabric using stamps.
Batik items at Bali Bazaar
The tradition of Indonesian Batik is the result of unique craftsmanship. It is displayed on the catwalks of the greatest designers but also in home decoration. Bali Bazaar wishes to promote this know-how and make you discover these fabulous pieces, made with care and passion. Each piece made by our craftsman Ibu Wayan is unique and requires days of work and attention. Discover our Kupu-Kupu model on our online store by clicking here.
100% handcrafted. 100% unique and authentic. Batik is trendy and timeless.
If you have any questions about our products or the artisans who make them, please do not hesitate to contact our Team via the online Contact Form!
The Bali Bazaar Team