A long time ago…Batik is used for formal event like wedding party, formal ceremony and another formal activity. But now…with the creative design, batik can be use in all time…if you want.

Tulis means “to write” in the Indonesian language. In the context of batik, it refers to the art of creating batik by hand drawing (or “writing”) the outlines of the motifs onto a piece of cloth.

This is achieved by using a pen-like tool called the canting or tjanting. (Please refer to the image above). The canting is normally made of wood/bamboo at one end, while the “head” or spout is made of copper (a good heat conductor). It has an opening at the top where molten wax (or a similar base) is filled into the canting, while the end of the spout is a tiny hole, out of which the molten wax shall flow from the canting to the cloth. It functions very much like a pen, where the artisan draws using an ink of molten wax. And like an artist’s set of drawing tools, this comes in different sizes - for drawing motifs of varying degress of fineness (for the common up to very small details).

As previously mentioned in my Introductory article, batik is created using a resist method, where in batik tulis (handdrawn batik), wax is used to cover the area so that the dyes will not penetrate the desired area. Let’s say the artisan is drawing a rose amidst a purple background. To create this effect, the artisan first draws with a pencil the outlines of the rose, and perhaps the repeating patterns on the background. He then “covers” the area of the bouquet with wax. When the wax is dried off, it is then sent to a purple dye bath (or alternatively painted upon with purple dye). Thus only the background is purple, the rose remains under the cover of wax. Then it is left to dry. This process of waxing, drying the wax, dyeing, and drying the dyes gets repeated for every choice of colour and hues used.

Of course, besides the intention of producing a multi coloured effect, the wax can also be used to cover areas which will eventually not be dyed, and hence the original colour of the cloth which is mostly white will remain and can be a pattern or outline of the motifs themselves, e.g. the veins on a leaf or the repetitive lines on a background.

The tulis method is often regarded as the highest form of batik because of the level of skill, effort, time and heart placed when creating batik. That explains why tulis pieces are pricier than cap pieces.

Welcome to Indonesia….the nation with thousand of culture and ethnic. If you have a more times you can visit our workshop in Sidoarjo.

I think if we talk about Sidoarjo…you may remember about mud volcano..It’s ok…you can visit both…don’t hesitate to contact us.

Batik…is an Indonesian exotic design for Indonesian traditional fashion. This is created for along time ago…while Indonesian society content from local empire such as Mataram, Yogya, Solo and many little emporium.

In another place ( outside java island…there are many kind of themes, pattern or design of Batik. This is an original traditional creativity.

There is many drawn Technical for batik . It’s called Tjap (Stamp) and Tulis (drawn) and the product result was called Batik Tulis. Batik Tulis. It use a special tool for draw or creating pattern in a piece of cloth. With a hot paint and special pen…creator of batik was make a image on Cloth. Its need a more accurate and precisions. There is very amazing creativity. Science can’t do that

In modern era…most of batik is made by paint machine with special print. It just make a mode or pattern at the PC…click….and Batik pattern going rock n roll. But…many of small business of Batik, still used the traditional method. Especially in Sidoarjo…Batik still created traditionally. Its need high sense of art.

If you want to know about design image of Batik especially from Sidoarjo, do not hesitate to contact us at rosefendi@gmail.com