Of Batik and Canting

I spent the past few hours alternating between tasks - hanging the curtains, changing the cushion covers, rearranging the living room - in anticipation of Eid that's just around the corner - yet my mind is racing! The topic of obsession today is.. BATIK!

No.. not the cake BATIK (I'm still pretty much sane and can, on occasion, get food out of my mind for a while.. but now that I've mentioned it.. urghh... I want kuih Batik for berbuka later. zzzZZZzzz)

Anyways, back to BATIK..

What is "BATIK"?

Batik on Silk
Sarawak Motive "Tree of Life"

Batik is, as Google would define it, a method (originally used in Java) of producing coloured designs on textiles by dyeing them, having first applied wax to the parts to be left undyed. Depending on where the wax and dye is applied, colourful patterns, usually inspired by flora and fauna are drawn. Clothes made in this style is also known as batik.

The History and Origins
In Malaysia, the origins of batik is difficult to determine. Very few historical artefacts and strong references exists. What is known is that there is a trade relations between the then Tanah Melayu and Java, along with the Sumatran archipelago since the 13th century. Perhaps the influence from the trade made way for batik to settle as part of the Malaysian culture.

In terms of influences and inspirations of the batik designs, Malaysian batik do not normally derive from animals and human. This can be credited to Islam being the major religion of Malays, who would normally produce and wear batik on the regular, and that Islam also forbids the depiction of human and animals as decorations.

Types? How Are Batik Produced?

Batik on Silk
Sarawak Motive "Tree of Life"

Having visited first hand the workshop for batik creation run by Mark Jong of Petra Pelita (follow their Facebook Page here), I was honestly impressed with the creativity and discipline of his team in producing a single sheet of batik.

There are quite a number of types of batik, one can be categorised based on region (for instance Batik Indonesia, Batik Sumatra, Batik Jawa and smaller, more specific regions in between), or categorised based on patterns (Batik Kraton, Batik Cuwiri, Batik Petani etc), or even by way of producing it (Batik Blok, Batik Canting, or Batik Skrin).

Canting Batik

For Mark and Petra Pelita, they specifically produce hand drawn batik canting - the name is derived from the tool called canting. Canting, sometimes also spelled with old Dutch orthography tjanting, is made from a small copper reservoir with a sprout on a wooden handle. The reservoir holds the resists, commonly wax, that flows through the sprout, creating dots and lines as it moves.

Hand Drawn vs Machine Printed

Batik on Silk
Flora and Geometry

In the Malaysian governments bid to promote Malaysian Batik in the eye of the world, mass production of batik has taken off. In order to meet demands, machine produced batik has flooded the market.

However, one of the unique aspects of hand drawn batik is that there are no two that are exactly alike. They may be similar, but even if derived from the same sketch or original, made by the same person, the patterns and colours will vary even ever so slightly.

The demand for hand painted batik is still high, typically from those who seek a uniqueness in their styles, and finesse in the end product. Produced by one who is very experienced in the art of batik making, a piece could take 3 to 4 days to complete, to even weeks and months!

Other Uses of Batik
To om nom nom nom! (OMG kuih batik.. I needs suggestions in the comments on where to get really yummy ones quick!)

No really. I always thought batik's main use is to be work - sewn into men's button-up shirt that usually produces a subtle yet loud effect) or made into traditional baju kurung, or as sarong. Pareo's are also a very creative use of batik. Basically, something that is worn.

Mark told me further that he can also help to frame the batik that he produces, as wall arts! It can also be made into souvenirs, handbags, etc. It did got me thinking, for upcoming events, I might just suggest to gift a batik handicraft to invited Guest of Honours or VIPs.

Mark also has two large batik painting at his showroom - so if you want to see for yourself, reach for him at his Facebook Page.

And here I am, with Eid just around the corner, thinking if I can make batik the theme for this Eid celebration!