The Meanings behind Batik Bali Patterns

Just like other styles of Batik in Indonesia, Batik Bali or Balinese batik generally distinguishes itself with its patterns. The difference, however, somewhat significant if compared with the variation of batik patterns in Java, especially between the Javanese inland and coastal patterns. While the pattern difference in Javanese batik is mostly focused on color variation, the pattern difference in Balinese batik is much more wide-ranging, with two batik garments rarely share the same look. Balinese batik is generally known for its asymmetric patterns, the difference in pattern sizes, and the large variation of colors.

Despite the diversity of Bali Batik patterns, the most common patterns appearing on every batik garment that you can buy from any Bali souvenirs shops generally fall into the following categories.

Typical Scenery of Bali

It is quite normal to see batik garments that depict the image of the most famous sceneries in Bali, such as beaches, mountaintops, and temples. The meaning of these patterns is very much straightforward: they attempt to promote Bali’s hotspots and to remind you that you are in the most beautiful island on earth. These patterns are often combined with the other patterns that are mentioned below.

Fish Patterns

Batik garments that you normally find in any batik Denpasar shops may depict the image of fishes. Fish patterns are generally known as Ulamsari patterns. The fishes are usually painted with yellowish hue to represent fishermen’s prosperity. The fishery is the second biggest industry in Bali after tourism.

Bouquet Patterns

Besides buying a finished batik garment, you also have a chance to make your batik by joining a batik class. When you join the class, you may be trained to draw a floral pattern on the fabric, a pattern that most people love. This Balinese floral pattern is often called the Buketan pattern, which is a term adopted from the French word bouquet. The meaning of a floral pattern is always clear: to represent the concept of beauty.

Singa Barong

It is impossible to separate Singa Barong from Balinese culture. This cultural icon is so ubiquitous that it also appears on Bali Batik as a distinctive pattern. This pattern represents the most characteristic symbol of Bali, the fight between good and evil depicted by the images of Barong and Rangda.

Besides all of the patterns mentioned above, there are other patterns that you will frequently see on Batik Bali garments, such as peacock pattern and an abstract pattern called Jagatan Pisang. The pattern rule of Balinese batik is not as strict as that of Javanese batik, so you can see virtually any patterns on Balinese batik garments.