3 Interesting Facts about Batik Bali

Batik Bali or Balinese batik may not be as famous as its counterparts in Java, Kalimantan, and other batik-producing regions in Indonesia; however, it continues to be an artistic product that uniquely represents Bali, its culture, and its art. Given a fact that Bali is the strongest tourist magnet in Indonesia, everything that is made there for the tourists to enjoy and to buy eventually becomes increasingly more popular. Balinese batik is not an exception. In terms of popularity, Balinese batik quickly catches up its equals and now becomes one of the most popular memorabilia not only in Bali but also outside the island. There are three interesting facts about the Balinese batik that you should know.

Balinese batik is an imported art.

For centuries, batik was not recognized as a native Balinese style of clothing. There is a selection of traditional fabric styles that are popular in Bali, such as Cepuk, Poleng, and Songket. Batik is not included. Only after around the 1970s that batik becomes recognized as a part of traditional Balinese garments. Its emergence might be triggered by the popularity of a similar garment in various places in Java, especially its cultural centers near the palaces and along the coastal regions in the north, which are known for their unique batik styles.

It is made using the typical batik-making procedure.

Batik Bali is made using the same procedure with that of the Javanese batik. The type of fabric that is used, unbleached cotton, is similar to the one used in Java. Balinese batik is also painted using the wax painting method to create negatives before being dyed and cleaned using warm water. If you are interested in knowing how to make Balinese batik, as well as all kinds of batik in general, you can join a Batik class that can be found in Denpasar and other hot tourist spots in Bali.

There are various patterns available.

Although batik is relatively young in Bali, there are already several characteristic patterns that distinctively identify Bali’s unique batik, though certain patterns, such as Abyorhokokai with its distinctive peacock image, combine Balinese painting style with some imported styles. Besides the peacock pattern, other patterns that also distinctively characterize Balinese batik are Singa Barong patterns that depict the image of Barong (often together with the nemesis Rangda), Ulamsari Mas pattern (fish), and Buketan (floral), and the asymmetrical Jagatan Pisang. With these patterns, Batik Bali becomes a distinct product that clearly distinguishes Balinese cultural and artistic traditions in its design.