Batik: A Beautiful Fabric that Tells a Story

Huftt…

Huftt…

A batik maker exhales, the number of breaths lost count as they prepare to trace a design with malam. No, this isn't poetry. Malam is a liquid made from paraffin, pine resin, and animal or vegetable fat. You've probably seen a batik artist drawing on a white cloth with a dark liquid resembling brown sugar? That's what we call malam.

When we talk about batik, it's often associated with fabrics that exude elegance and pair well with various outfits. No wonder this type of cloth has its own dedicated fanbase. I've tried to differentiate between Solo and Yogyakarta batik, and it turns out that both have distinct characteristics. Why compare Solo and Yogyakarta, and not Semarang or Surabaya? Because both regions were once part of the Islamic Mataram Kingdom, and Solo and Yogyakarta share the same ancestral lineage.

Distinct Characteristics of Yogyakarta Batik

Let's delve into the unique features of Yogyakarta batik. Firstly, Yogyakarta batik tends to have darker color tones, predominantly dark brown to black, with a white background. Secondly, the motifs draw inspiration from nature, such as coastlines, mountains, flora, and fauna, although many are also influenced by the royal court, like the parang motif that was once exclusively for the king but has now become widely popular. Thirdly, Yogyakarta batik is drawn from the upper right corner to the lower left, with large, bold motifs.

What comes to your mind when considering these distinctive features? Have you started making connections to the elements found in this enchanting city? Let's embark on a journey together to uncover these connections. Beginning with the dark brown and black color palette, what object do you associate with these colors? If you answered "soil," congratulations, you've successfully passed the first stage of our matching game. Indeed, Yogyakarta is primarily an agricultural region, and its people have a deep connection to the land.

Secondly, why do you think Yogyakarta batik features such large motifs? If your answer suggests boldness and strength, it means you're well-prepared to explore Yogyakarta more deeply. Whether it's learning about hundreds of batik motifs, understanding the significance of the parang motif in the royal court, or discovering renowned batik artisans in the city.

Yogyakarta Batik Makers

When it comes to renowned batik makers in Yogyakarta, there are many, from painters who translate their brushstrokes onto fabric, royal servants, or individuals who have been deeply involved in batik since childhood, each with their unique style. For example, individual batik makers, those from the royal court, and community-based batik makers each have their own charm, adhering to different traditions and showcasing their creativity.

Lek Iwon

Lek Iwon is one such batik maker who has been passionate about batik since the fifth grade. His work, which combines the parang, truntum, ukel, and kawung motifs, gained international recognition when he received a commission from the Dutch royal family.

Bayu Aria Widhi Kristanto

Bayu Aria Widhi Kristanto is a batik artist originally from Lampung who graduated from the Indonesian Institute of the Arts (ISI) Yogyakarta. He has dedicated himself to batik and founded hotwaxstudio as a platform to learn and express his creative ideas through contemporary batik.

Once again, I emphasize that there are many other batik makers with impressive works. Of course, as batik producers, many individuals have contributed to preserving this cultural tradition and art of creating patterned fabrics. If you're interested in exploring different batik motifs, I encourage you to visit the Yogyakarta Batik Museum or various art galleries that exhibit these valuable pieces. You can even try to trace the makers of these beautiful fabrics. It's a fascinating journey!

Want to Create Your Own Batik?

I've been pondering your question about where you can create your own batik. Well, if you're aiming to make a batik piece that's around 2 meters long as a beginner, it's likely that you'll abandon this ambitious project and opt to purchase one instead. The process, especially the dyeing part, can be quite intricate, particularly when using natural dyes. Each color requires a separate dyeing process, and the removal of the wax is another time-consuming task. Not to mention, if you're using synthetic dyes, the entire fabric will be dyed in one dip.

Therefore, I suggest starting with a smaller-scale workshop where you can experiment on a smaller piece of cloth. This way, you won't waste materials if you decide it's not for you, and you can gauge your interest in pursuing a larger project.

Places like the Sonobudoyo Museum and the Yogyakarta Batik Museum offer daily workshops without reservations. Even on a small piece of cloth, it's important to be cautious of the hot wax to avoid spills or burns, especially if you're bringing along your active little one.

Although your creation might be on a piece of cloth the size of a handkerchief or slightly larger, the experience of creating it can be quite profound. Batik is a static object, yet it carries a dramatic and almost magical significance for the maker, the owner, and the wearer. Do you feel a special connection to the batik you own? How deep is that connection? Share your story with us!