Traditionally, pure cotton cloth,
rice starch and natural dyes made from leaves, plants and other natural
substances were used for Batik printing. Usually, vibrant colors are preferred for Batik printing. The color blue was derived from indigo, while orange and red colors
were made using henna. Turmeric was used to make yellow color, while black
color was made by burning iron. However, natural dyes are fast being replaced
by chemical ones. A combination of two or more colors can also be used to
create different effects. Moreover, poplin, voile as well as pure silk fabric are
also nowadays being used for Batik printing.
The elaborate process of creating a Batik
fabric ensures that no two pieces are exactly the same.
The motifs
In the Batiks made in Indonesia, mystical and ritualistic motifs are made use of. Apart from this, motifs from
nature are also used, such as flowers, trees and birds. The Sawat motif is
commonly used in Javanese Batik. In Batiks made in India, motifs such as that
of the Garuda and other natural motifs are commonly found. African Batiks
usually feature people doing their routine activities, such as people grinding
corn, praying, carrying water or wood, combing hair or dancing.
With the passage of time, a number
of innovations have taken place in the motifs used in Batik. However, the motifs
can be broadly divided into two categories: geometrical and elaborate. The
elaborate motifs are generally natural, such as flowers and buds, leaves, birds,
fish, butterflies, vines, small animals and insects.
Conclusion
Batik is considered to be evergreen
in the fashion world. Batik is fast being accepted as a fashion statement all
over the world. From being used only in tailored garments, the use of Batik in dress
materials and scarves is rising. Newer colors and motifs are being used. However,
the number of artisans engaged in this activity is declining, mainly on account
of the highly intricate process of applying wax, dyeing and removal of the wax.
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