The word batik is thought to be derived from the word 'ambatik' which translated means 'a cloth with little dots'. The suffix 'tik' means little dot, drop, point or to make dots. Batik may also originate from the Javanese word 'tritik' which describes a resist process for dying where the patterns are reserved on the textiles by tying and sewing areas prior to dying, similar to tie dye techniques. Another Javanese phase for the mystical experience of making batik is “mbatik manah” which means “drawing a batik design on the heart.

Batik is kind of traditional cloth which made using manual wax-resist dyeing technique. Certain patterns can only be worn by nobility; traditionally, wider stripes or wavy lines of greater width indicated higher rank. Consequently, during Javanese ceremonies, one could determine the royal lineage of a person by the cloth he or she was wearing. Other regions of Indonesia have their own unique patterns that normally take themes from everyday lives, incorporating patterns such as flowers, nature, animals, folklore or people. The colours of pesisir batik, from the coastal cities of northern Java, is especially vibrant, and it absorbs influence from the Javanese, Arab, Chinese and Dutch cultures.

In Indonesia, traditionally, batik was sold in 2.25-metre lengths used for kain panjang or sarong for kebaya dress. It can also be worn by wrapping it around the body, or made into a hat known as blangkon. Infants are carried in batik slings decorated with symbols designed to bring the child luck. Certain batik designs are reserved for brides and bridegrooms, as well as their families. Here in sarongsite.com whether you are in search of Batik Paintings, Batik Fabrics in Cotton, Rayon, and Knit or unique Patterns, you have come to the right place.

Sarongsite.com has selection of Batik Art Paintings provide quilters, fabric artists, and interior designers with an opportunity to combine an ancient art form with a contemporary use. Each Batik Art Painting is hand made individually using 100% cotton fabric. Currently it have over 700 fabulous designs of Batik Art Paintings in all styles, colors and sizes. These are great for quilt projects, as medallion pieces, banners clothing or simply used as a signed art wall hanging. On this Project Ideas page you will see many fantastic beaded, stitched and bedazzled quilts, clothing and fabrics.

Seated on a low stool, the batiker dips her small copper cup or canting (chan' ting) into the hot, melted wax, and blows lightly on the tip of the spout. With smooth, sure movements, she guides the tip along the lines of the intricate pattern on the cloth. Indonesian women have been making these beautiful cloths, in just this same way for centuries. A cultural and artistic legacy that goes far beyond cloth as a mere commodity to be bought and sold in the marketplace, though the importance of that marketplace cannot be denied as well.

The term “batik” is an indonesian-malay word (bahasa indonesia and bahasa malay are the official languages of indonesia and malaysia and are linguistically similar). Batik has come to be used as a generic term which refers to the process of dyeing fabric by making use of a resist technique; covering areas of cloth with a dye-resistant substance to prevent them absorbing colors. The technique is thought to be over a thousand years old and historical evidence demonstrates that cloth decorated with this resist technique was in use in the early centuries ad in africa, the middle east and in several places in asia. Although there is no sure explanation as to where batik first was “invented”, many observers believe that it was brought to asia by travelers from the indian subcontinent.

As we noted at the first, batik is now a generic term. Because of the popularity of batik designs, many batik patterns are used in a wide variety of fabrics. Many fabrics are called batik although they were not made in the resist method. Most purists believe that such cloth has a batik like design but is not true batik which is confined to fabrics made through the application of the originally conceived javanese methods of resist dyeing. Modern designers in indonesia, malaysia and to a lesser extent thailand, the philippines and elsewhere often use batik design elements and often the actual batik clothe in their clothing and accessories. Although most batik fabric is now decorated and tailored by machine, there still remains a considerable market for high-quality, hand-made batik.

Batik patterns are divided into different families of designs, each with hundreds of variations within them. The following gives you a brief introduction to the main design families. You'll see certain designs that belonged to the sacred, forbidden patterns reserved for the royal court. Over time, these particular patterns did enter into common use. Yet to this day, if a person does not belong to the court, they would never wear those patterns inside the keraton, or palace walls. The Ceplok family includes a wide range of geometric designs, often based on circular rosettes, stars or other small shapes, forming an overall symmetric pattern on the cloth. Grompol means to gather together. Often worn for wedding ceremonies, the pattern symbolizes the coming together of a harmonious marriage, for children, good luck, and happiness.

The Kawung is one of the oldest designs, and was reserved for the royal family. It represents a cross-section of the aren-palm fruit, and some say the cross in between the four ovals refers to the universal energy source. While there are many variations, the basic structure is a group of four circles or ovals nearly touching each other, laid out on the cloth in geometric symmetry. While sometimes referred to as the keris or sword pattern by outsiders, the Javanese call the Parang motif lidah api, or tongue of fire. Parang are one of the most powerful of batik motifs with their strong parallel diagonal lines. There are hundreds of variations, from small 2cm in Parang Klithik to the largest at 8cm or more in Parang Barong.

Currently, batik art has spread to India, China, Malaysia, Europe and Africa. It has become a skill and art of many great cultures. Today it is worn world wide by men and women, and can be seen almost anywhere. Artists typically decorate their batik fabrics in any way they are inspired. Because the art is becoming more and more popular there are lots more resources for the artists. This is yielding many types of designs, colors, and patterns. Batik is being used to make many different items some of which you'll find on 1 World Sarongs. Mainly clothing and sarongs, but if you go to our Indonesian Art page and look under Masks you'll find batik is being used as well.