This complete guide to Batik is an invaluable resource for those interested in Batik history, design, and weaving. Here in this volume, the author has not only given a comprehensive and fascinating account of the origins and history of batik, with examples of techniques and design, but also includes a complete "How-To-Do-It" section on modern methods of creating batik. The text is lucid and easy to follow, and the simple step-by-step format will enable the art enthusiast to investigate this rewarding and creative medium. Sample batiks by modern artists, show what can be done with craft, skill, and imagination. The author takes the reader through all aspects of making a batik, from a simple dipping, or tie-dying, to sectional dyeing, and the more intricate five or six-color patterns. Basic materials, fabric mixtures, wax temperatures etc. are discussed fully, and more important, the practical problems often encountered by a beginner are thoughtfully explained. Here is a book of batik literally giving you the 'tricks of the trade'.

The word ’batik’ is possibly of Malay origin from the word ’tik’ meaning ’to drip’ or ’to drop.’ The term is applied to a resist dye technique invented independently in locations as diverse as Ancient Egypt, Japan and Turkestan. Batik is a remarkably flexible textile technique and is suited to small-scale methods of production, but demand from the fashion and tourism industries is increasing. This volume brings together the experiences and concerns of the international community of batik producers. It gives voice to their suggestions for ensuring that the producers of this traditional craft are integrated into its increasingly global production rather than excluded from it. Building on the work of batik designers and producers the book discusses the emergence of a global craft consciousness. Batik producers report on innovative measures taken both individually and collectively to hold their market position while commercial producers frequently annex and mass-produce traditional batik design. The book concludes with a discussion of marketing and production innovations and tourism which enable the producers of batik to maintain the integrity of their designs whilst harnessing the benefits of new commercial forms.

Given in honor of Regan Grace Swartzlander by John Palmer.

Malaysian Batik: Reinventing a Tradition, traces the history of batik, the materials, methods and motifs of the block-stamped and hand drawn methods, and the ways in which Malaysian batik has been transformed into a craft with international appeal. Batik is more than wax and dye applied to a length of cloth. It is an art form practiced by people around Asia. With its its bolder, abstract designs and its brighter palette, Malaysian batik is a distinctly different type of batik that has brought an exciting new dimension to this ancient method of fabric art. Historically seen as a craft, batik making in Malaysia today has segued into more of an art form, both in its creation and its uses. Historically, batik fabric was fashioned into sarongs to be worn by people across all walks of life. More often now batik fabrics are used for lifestyle products, as art pieces and, above all, for contemporary high fashion. The pieces that are created display an originality of composition and design, an effective use of color, a high level of technical expertise and a flair for working in the medium that are the hallmarks of great works of art. Many of the recent advances in Malaysian batik are due to the initiatives of the Yayasan Budi Penyayang, which has revitalized the Malaysian batik industry by adapting it to suit fashion needs and utilized the Asian fashion industry to promote and display its beauty.