Prehistoric Heritage Art That Preserves Culture - A Batik Dye Printing

An ancient art that uses wax and dyes to create artistic visuals on fabric is what Batik is. Ambaktik is the term from which Batik’s word is derived, which when translated stands for a piece of cloth with small dots or writing with bags or drawing in broken lines.

 Origin

In ancient handicrafts batik is mentioned over 2500 years ago. the place and period of origin are debatable as there are many theories spread.

 One among them is Indian artisans develop the art form and eventually it spread to many parts of the world. But admiration of it is dimensioning in India till the 20th century. This period of history brought into the limelight reviving art and providing motivation to rural handicrafts industry, among them is Batik industries. Today Indian Batik is high in demand, not only in India but also in other countries. Indonesia and Malaysia are major exporters of batik.

Procedure

Applying the wax, dying, and removing wax are the three key procedures of batik. The age-old method of applying molten wax is processed using a pen.  With a tiny bowl for holding molten wax. With the pen the artist applies the molten wax and create beautiful art piece. This is the authentic method of applying wax and creating distinct designs.

The other method of applying wax includes the use of wooden blocks where the wax are etched on the blocks where the design is mounted on a screen and waxed onto the fabric all at a go using screen. The Last method is the slashed method where the wax was randomly splashed. These methods are the uncomplicated and more accurate designs.

Then the waxed fabric is dipped in colored dye. The part covered in wax resists the dye and retains the original color and the remaining part is dyed.

The color is deepened till the period desires the shade of color appeared on the fabric. The more you soak the cloth the darker the color.
The symbolic cracked look comes from the fine cracks developed on the surface of the wax allowing seeping dye into it.

Then the fabric is dried and the next is to repeat the process, till received the desired motifs with a variety of colors are completed.The final stage is to remove wax from the fabric by boiling it in water to melt and remove the wax and then it is washed in soap and water to remove the remaining wax.

Products

Batik can be used to make all types of clothes such as sarees, salwar, kameez, kurtas, Kurtis, tunics, and more.

Accessories are also in demand like scarves, shawls, dupattas, handbags, and much more. Home décor items are not behind with wall hangings, cushions, and whatnot.

The leather bags, clutches, wallets,  covers, and other items embossed with colored batik patterns are the specialty of the Bengal state of India and among the famous exports of India.

Maintenance

 For the silk fabric, dry cleaning is favorable for its long life. Ironing with very low temperature or cold ironing is preferable.

While for the cotton, wash with mild detergent is advisable and regular ironing or low temperature ironing can be done.

 Present-day scenario

 cotton and silk are traditional fabrics used. In recent times other fabrics like Georgette also are being used.

 While the techniques used advanced over time. Science in the 1980s caught small-scale entrepreneurs where they have been working with Batik.

The artist from various regions influences the element or culture of their respective place. Give rise to the diversity of India in excellent artwork.

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