Batik Through The Globe: Malaysia

Evidence of early batik has been found in India, China, Middle East, Egypt and Peru which dates back to 2,000 years ago and reached its highest artistic expression in countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia. The Sultans of Kelantan and Terengganu encouraged the experimentation of techniques in mass production and thus helped the nation expand the industry to become what it is today. Malaysian batik became the formal identity for occasions, upon achieving independence in 1957. However, the art form lost its touch in 1990s but soon returned in 2003 with renewed vibrancy, enabling it to survive modernity and adapt to changing times due to those who work tirelessly to preserve the national heritage.

Originally, Malaysian batik makers assimilated the techniques and patters from the Javanese and thus developed a variety of textiles that were later produced through block and screen printing. Over the years, producers have found new methods to develop their craft by liberating themselves from the Javanese influences.

In terms of designs, floral and leafy patterns are commonly used. Butterflies are a widely used motif in batik making as well, although the depiction of animals are rare in Malaysia. Similarly, geometrical designs such as circles, spirals and lines are prevalent among Malaysian batik. Fabrics on the other hand have an international touch due to the bright hues and versatile patterns. Malaysian batik is believed to be unique on its own because of the multi-cultural and ethnic diversity of the country, as well as its wide artistic perspective in the fashion industry.

The Process.

1. Hand Drawn.

Designs are hand drawn on the fabric with hot liquid wax by using a metal object called canting. When the wax outline is drawn, artists use a brush to paint the dyes within those outlines. This technique creates a shaded and multi-hued composition.

Artists use a variety of fabrics such as cotton, linen, rayon, voile and silk. These fabrics are patterned with geometrical and floral motifs which are arranged in varying layouts based on the latest trends.

Hand drawn batik is produced in two to four meters in length. The sizes vary according to gender. For instance, women’s wear takes up to four meters of cloth compared to men’s wear. Apart from garments, hand drawn batik is also made into scarves, pareos, craftans and more. Hand drawn batik is a famous technique because it allows more individual freedom and creativity.

Photo by Jadi Batik Gallery

2. Block Printed / Stamped.

Here, the canting is replaced with a copper block or wooden stamp with pre-made patterns at the bottom. Artists dip-dye their blocks into wax and will then place it on the fabric, leaving a single colored print. To achieve a more complexed pattern, artists will have to use different blocks and repeat the process of waxing and de-waxing a couple of times.

Photo by Jadi Batik Gallery

Comparing The Styles.

Block printed batik mainly uses cotton fabric compared to hand-drawn batik which uses different types of cloths. Apart from that, block prints do not have detailed and intricate designs, rather, it involves repeated and similar shapes or patterns. In addition, hand drawn batik is more expensive compared to block printed because it is time consuming.