HISTORY OF BATIK

Batik (or the word “Batik”) is derived from Javanese language “amba” which means to write and “dots”. The word Batik refers to the cloth by which its motif is produced by “malam” (wax) applied on to the cloth, hence it resists the coming dye, or “wax-resist dyeing”.

Batik is the art which has high art value and has been a part of Indonesian culture especially Java since a long time.

History, Batik has been known since 17th century, written and painted on Palmyra palm. At that time, the motif or the pattern of Batik was still dominated by the shape of animals and plants. However, in its history, Batik experienced some development, that is from the patterns of animals and plants painting and turn into abstract motif which is similar to cloud, relief of temple, “wayang beber” and so on. Furthermore, the integration of the pattern of the paintings with cloth decoration art has lead in to the written batik art as what we know nowadays.

The history of Indonesian batik is related to the development of Majapahit Kingdom and after. On some notes, Batik was developed in the era of Mataram Kingdom’s prosperity, then the era of Solo and Yogyakarta Kingdom.

The art of Batik is the art of drawing on a cloth for the dressing used as one of the culture of the King’s family formerly. Originally, the art of batik was only known within the palace. Yet, because many king’s followers lived outside the palace, this art was brought to outside the palace.

The period when the art of batik became the possession of Indonesia citizens and particularly Java ethnics is after the end of 17th century or in the beginning of the 19th century. The Batik produced was all ‘Batik Tulis’ until the beginning of the 20th century and ‘Batik Cap’ has just been known after the 1st World War ended or around 1920. Now, Batik has been a part of Indonesian traditional dress.

Sources :

http://batikindonesia.info/2005/04/18/sejarah-batik-indonesia/
http://batikpekalongan.wordpress.com/2007/09/26/asal-batik