#HHG11: Malaysian Batik - An Art of A Unique Traditional Handcraft

Batik is a leading handcraft textile industry in the eastern coast of Malaysia in the state of Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang. The origin of traditional methods of batik making was discovered in Malaysia is said to have started since the 13th century, during the era of a trade relationship between the Malay Kingdom in Jambi and the Javanese coastal cities of batik production areas of Java (Cirebon, Lasem, Tuban, and Madura). These are the reasons that there are strong influence of Jambi batik and Javanese batik on many batik crafts in Peninsular Malaysia.

The word Batik comes from Indonesia and is derived from the Javanese word 'tick' which means dripping or writing points. Batik is mentioned in the 17th century Malay history, about Laksamana Hang Nadim who was directed by Sultan Mahmud to sail to India to get 140 pieces of batik with 40 types of flowers on it. According to the Cultural History Museum in Oslo, it is known that Java has a great influence on the manufacture of Malaysian batik in technical terms and in pattern production.

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Batik Motif

The new Malaysian batik is clearly different from the hand-drawn Javanese batik tradition. Malaysian Batik uses flora motifs and is also famous for its geometric designs with bigger and simpler patterns. The colors used in Malaysian batik are brighter than Indonesian Javanese batik. The craft has developed aesthetics and designs that are unique to Malaysia. The forms of batik motifs are produced in two main forms namely Organic Motive and Geometric Motif. Organic motifs are nature-rich as clouds, plants, flowers, and animals.

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Batik is National Costume of Malaysia

In line with Malaysia's concept, the Malaysian government also recognizes Malaysia's batik as a national costume for every level of the general population, by providing local designers to create a new batik design that reflects Malaysia's identity. In addition, to encourage the adoption of batik in Malaysia, from 17 January 2008, all civil servants in Malaysia are required to wear Malaysian batik shirts every Thursday. Earlier the rules of batik wear only on Saturday.

Malaysian Airlines Stewardess

Malaysians are using batik extensively. Batik is used to make clothes, sarong or batik cloth loose. For example, Malaysian Airlines flight stewardess uniforms are made of batik.

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Kuala Lumpur International Batik Convention and Exhibition

Kuala Lumpur International Batik Convention and Exhibition is a biennial event that brings speakers from various countries including Singapore, Indonesia, India, Australia, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan and Japan whereby Batik exhibition is performed for three days.

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Batik is also used in formal occasions.

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Batik is popular for Foreign Tourists

Batik is so popular for foreign tourists because of its attractive and unique patterns.

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Ladies Batik Design

For women, Malaysian batik is often used as an official dress by combining modern batik and fashion.

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Male Batik Design

For men, Batik can be worn at dinner functions.

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Batik used as Decor Items and Souvenirs

In addition to clothing, batik is also used as decoration such as tablecloths, sheets, cushion covers, head scarves, television sets and so on. Batik can be purchased at a cheap and affordable price.

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Patterns

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Process of making

Tools that are usually used to make batik is Canting, Wax, Natural Dyes and Canvas. In the past, Malay Malays used wooden blocks to produce batik-like textiles. By the late 1920s, Javanese batik entrepreneurs introduced the use of candles and copper blocks to the east coast of Malaysia. White cotton yarns are ideal for making batik. After being applied with the first candle, it will be dipped in a slightly darker color. After that, it will be applied for a second time and then dipped in a darker color. These fabrics will be boiled in water that contains soda. When boiled, different colors will appear. These batik fabrics will then be dried to dry.

Canting Equipment

Natural Dyes

Canvas

Wax

Canting Process

Adding Colors

Video

Watch this video on Batik making process

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That's all for now, I hope you enjoyed reading about Malaysian Culture. This post was specially made for the Hello Hello Group #HHG11 - Culture & Tradition Challenge.

Always remember your roots, your culture and tradition as they represent your identity ~ @ainie.kashif.

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Take care and Stay Blessed!

Yours truly,