Batik painting is an ancient and beautiful art form. Batik paintings are a unique form of art in which various figures and patterns are drawn on pieces of fabrics. These paintings originated in Indonesia. Indonesia encouraged the art of batik and with its popularity and success in the western markets; batik became a part of Indonesia. The word ‘Batik’, which has been derived from the word ‘Ambatik’, is Indonesian in its origin. The original word basically meant dots on clothes and Batik refers to the wax-resist dye technique that is used in textiles. The art of Batik painting is considered to be more than a 1000 years old. This Batik Art form flourished internationally with specific ethnic specialties, in color, process of dyeing, application of wax etc. Batik art work is widely used in Java (Indonesia) and India. India has a rich tradition in Batik paintings and exquisite works of Batik art can be procured from different parts of India. Batik painted fabrics are also very durable. Batik paintings portray a huge array of themes which include religious themes as well as abstract patterns. 

Batik is very often considered a craft like ceramic, pottery or even needle work. Although it is a household word all over the world, batik is still often overlooked by art critics who do not consider it an art form. There are several countries known for their batik creations. Batik paintings are very brilliant and catchy in colors depicting Hindu Gods, nature, animals or natural scenes. Batik art is a popular fabric painting that prevalent in several countries of Asia and Africa. It’s an ancient art that involves applying wax resist and natural colored dyes to fabric, usually cotton or silk.

The making of a Batik Painting is an intricate and time consuming process which involves three integral stages. There are also some sub-processes that include waxing, dyeing and de-waxing. Batik artists use dyes as color is an integral part of batik art work. A batik artist needs to have a good sense of colors and patterns. To create an attractive and beautiful Batik painting, the batik artist works intimately with color, applying multiple layers of wax and dye to the fabric. 

Each piece of Batik artwork has a unique feel due to the endless combinations of dye colorings, wax affects and fabric types. The technique of Batik painting involves great precision and concentration. The first step includes giving the cotton cloth a thorough washing and to remove the starch. The cloth is then dried, ironed and stretched on a wooden frame. The second step includes making a rough charcoal sketch which serves as a guide for the painting. The design develops gradually with each coat of waxing. The third process includes the application of the wax that is a protective agent in the dyeing process. The wax is a melted mixture of paraffin, resin and yellow beeswax and is poured into a brass shaped pen called Tjanting. The Tjanting is a brass pen shaped is like a small cup with single or double spout. This pen is used in coloring the negative way by filling the space where the painter does not want the color to appear. The process is quite tedious and has to be done with care. Thus for each and every different color to be used on the fabric the painter has to use the Tjanting pen and the protective wax ink.

Once this is done, the artist can use the required color to dye that area. When that area has been adequately colored and dried, the fabric can be gently washed. This process of waxing, dyeing and de-waxing can be repeated multiple times till the entire batik design or fabric has been completed. Ideally, this process should begin with light colors and end with dark colors.After, the artist completes this process for each and every color that he has used; he can wash the waxed piece in boiling water. This process can be repeated often till the entire wax has been removed from the fabric. This can be followed by application of colors or dyes to the painting using a brush. In case of very large areas, the cloth is removed from the frame and dipped in a basin of dye.

The final stage includes the removal of wax residue and the fixing of colors, immersing the cloth into boiling water with a small amount of detergent. The cloth is then rinsed in cold water. The complete painting is then dipped in a diluted solution of sulphuric acid to give the colors permanency. This art form is three-dimensional and has features of depth and texture making the entire fabric an attractive piece of art. Batik art is unique in its kind, everywhere applicable in almost every place, from classic to modern. Batik wall hangings are a hot favorite with art lovers and are produced in India, Indonesia and West Africa. Traditionally, in Batik paintings, indigo, dark brown and white colors are used, which represent the three major Hindu Gods (Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva).All paintings are courtesy of Art of Legend India.