Batik
The craft of batik is an ancient technique to print textiles. It is also called wax-resist. In Java, batik has developed into a heavily detailed way to print textiles by hand. Javanese batik is unique, from the crafting process to the final result. Even though batik has to compete with the fast fashion industry, one can always differentiate a one-of-a-kind batik from an industrially printed batik.
Guave strictly uses Javanese batik to support the craft of batik and introduce a wider audience to the craft. It is a product of high quality, made with attention and care by the makers in Java, Indonesia.
Batik tulis
Batik tulis is the technique of making batik in Java which has the longest tradition. Batiks of this kind are made using a canting (copper wax pen). It is a Javanese invention, which enables the maker to draw patterns with hot wax onto the fabric. The wax is often a combination of beeswax and resin. Dye does not adhere to wherever the wax has been applied onto the fabric, creating patterns. When using more than one colour, wax is applied to the fabric before every new colour that is added. This makes it into a time-consuming process, requiring patience and knowledge. Traditionally, the craft is passed down from mother to daughter, and the workshop is often ran at home.
How long it takes to produce a batik tulis depends on the amount of colours, the difficulty of the pattern and the level of skill of the maker. Approximately, it takes 1-3 months.
Batik cap
Batik cap is the type of batik made with a copper stamp, the cap. The stamps are made by hand, which can be considered a craft of its own. This type of batik emerged in Indonesia at the start of the 19th century, to speed up the production of batiks and produce batiks on a larger scale. While making a batik using this technique can be done faster, it requires a lot of precision and is still craftsmanship. Producing a batik cap takes approximately 2-3 days, and one can recognize a batik cap by its more graphic and stylised motives.
What kind of batiks can you find at Guave?
In our designs we use both batik cap and batik tulis. We strictly use handmade batik, you will not find industrially made prints here. This way, we help support the craft and the batik makers, allowing them to sustain this form of art and maintain an income.
The batiks we use are made in Java, largely in places scattered along the North Coast. A long established batik tradition can be found here, one which is lesser known outside of Indonesia. The patterns and (bright, clear) colours are strongly influenced by several cultural expressions, trading routes and migration. In these batiks influences from China, India, the Middle-East and Europe can be found.