Page 2 - Batik Week e-Book FA

HISTORY OF BATIK

The long history of the Malaysian batik industry is rich in
culture, heritage, and superb craftsmanship. Malaysian
handicraft includes handcrafting Waus, Songket and whole
boats, besides many other indigenous crafts, however, of late,
the traditional art of batik has become the core of what
Malaysia is known for. From what began as a small-scale
business, batik creation has now blossomed into a lucrative
local art industry and national enterprise. Batik is the decorating
of textile with different patterns and colours by the resist
method.

The origins of batik production in Malaysia can be traced back
to The Melayu Kingdom in Jambi, which had trading contacts
with Javanese coastal cities since the 13th century, and the
northern coastal batik producing districts of Java (Cirebon,
Lasem, Tuban, and Madura). Jambi (Sumatran) and Javanese
Batik have both heavily influenced the batik craft of the Malay
peninsula.

According to the Oslo Museum of Cultural History, it is likely
that the Javanese influenced Malay batik-making both
technically and in design development. The Malaysians utilised
wooden blocks to make batik-like textiles in the beginning.
However, despite all of this, the batik production remains a
traditional venture, and there is little exposure in-terms of
introducing new perspectives while still retaining its
time-tested ways.