The Fascinating Art of Batik

The colors, patterns, and fabrics used in Malaysian and Indonesian Batik have always fascinated me, the designs are absolutely amazing. Back in 1997 during my college days I took a class called “Historical and Contemporary Fabrics,” where I was first introduced to the art of Batik. My attention and interest was immediately captured by the process, skill, and beauty. I even ended up doing my class final paper & design project on Batik.

This is a great website for information on Batik

Needless to say purchasing a few pieces was one of my ultimate goals while here in Malaysia, but to my surprise our wonderful client at TS Exim/idS Magazine actually arranged a short visit for me at the Batik factory. Days later I am still giddy from the experience and now the proud owner of a few popular Batik fashions.

Malaysian Batik is famous on the east cost of Malaysia (Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pahang), but is available anywhere you go. The most popular motifs are leaves and flowers. At one time Malaysian Batik depicting animals were rare because Islam norms forbid animal images as decoration. However, the butterfly, peacock, and fish themes are now common exceptions. The Malaysian Batik is also famous for its geometrical designs, such as spirals.

After walking into the factory and seeing a myriad of styles, patterns, and colors I was even more intrigued to see the process and how the fashions are currently worn. Here’s a glimpse into the art of Batik….

Here’s my tour guide introducing one of the artists. This gentleman hand draws the designs directly onto the silk fabric before applying the color.

He uses a very free-handed light approach to his work.

Hand Stamping the patterns on to the fabric is another common method. Here the guide is showing off some different designs. In the bottom right hand corner of the image above you can see one of the stamping plates.

Next I was brought into the dress shop where I was shown beautiful drawings of all different sorts of fashions, along with examples on the mannequins, and then the guide did a demonstration of how to wear Batik scarves, skirts, shirts, and dresses.

Then (of course) the tour ended in the gift shop where the patterns and colors put you in a trance. Willing or not you will pull out your wallet and buy, buy, buy. No matter what you buy, you will be happy. Trust me, I’m speaking from experience!!

Although the Batik is most common on wearable fashions you can also find the patterns on many upholstery and curtain fabrics, as well as painted on wood furniture and decor items. It was a truly inspirational experience!