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Procedure
Melted wax is applied to cloth
before being dipped in dye. Wherever the wax has seeped
through the fabric, the dye will not penetrate. Sometimes
several colors are used, with a series of dyeing, drying and
waxing steps.
Thin wax lines are made with a tjanting (canting) needle,
wooden handled tool with a tiny metal cup with a tiny spout,
out of which the wax seeps. Other methods of applying the
wax onto the fabric include pouring the liquid wax, painting
the wax on with a brush, and applying the hot wax to
precarved wooden or metal wire block and stamping the
fabric.
After the last dyeing, the fabric is hung up to dry. Then it
is dipped in a solvent to dissolve the wax, or ironed
between paper towels or newspapers to absorb the wax and
reveal the deep rich colors and the fine crinkle lines that
give batik its character.
The invention of the copper block or cap developed by the
Javanese in the 20th century revolutionized batik
production. It became possible to make high quality designs
and intricate patterns much faster than one could possibly
do by hand-painting.
As compared to Indonesian batik, which are mystic-influenced
and carry illustrations of animals and people, Malaysian
batik have brighter hues and more versatile patterns.
Kelantan on the eastern coast of Malaysia is the home of
Malaysian batik. |
Jewish
Fabric
