5 Unique Characteristics of Balinese Batik

Balinese batik or Batik Bali is considered unique because it has some unique characteristics that give it a truly distinctive identity. If you want to know what makes Balinese batik different, here are five characteristics of Balinese batik that you should know.

Irregular patterns and accents

Like other types of batik in Indonesia, Balinese batik fabrics that you can buy at  batik Denpasar shops and other places are handmade. Some printed products are mass-produced, but although they have more regular patterns, they are rarely considered real Balinese batik fabrics. Real batik is made by hand. This is why the patterns accents appear bigger at a certain part and smaller in another part. The hand’s imperfection is the core thing that makes Balinese batik a perfect souvenir.

The fabric is rather heavy.

Batik fabric is generally heavier and thicker than other fabrics due to at least two reasons: firstly, it is made from bleached calico fabric; secondly, a large amount of wax is used during the production process. If you take your time to join a batik class in Bali, you will know the details about batik production and how the fabric and wax are used.

Balinese batik blends traditionalism and modernity.

If you ever see Javanese batik fabrics, you will not miss their entirely ethnic and traditional patterns. This is because batik-making is an ancient tradition in Java. In Bali, batik-making is a modern trend. This is the reason why its patterns are mostly a blend of traditional ornaments and modern images. Two of the most popular Balinese  batik patterns, Abyorhokokai Peacock and Buketan, are known for their combination of traditional Balinese ornaments and Japanese peacock or French bouquet pattern respectively. 

It has a distinctive aroma.

When you sense the aroma of a piece of Balinese batik fabric, you can smell its distinctive aroma. Batik is made using all-natural coloring agents, unlike modern fabrics that use synthetic agents. These natural coloring agents give the fabric not only its distinctive and everlasting look but also its unique odor.

Balinese fabric is an excellent means to learn about Bali’s tradition.

Balinese batik makers try to incorporate the most essential elements of Balinese tradition into the design of their batik. This is why when you look at its patterns, you can find some distinctive patterns that are clearly Balinese, such as Barong and fish, which represent Bali’s culture and maritime richness respectively.