The Uniqueness of Batik in Bali

Batik Industry in Bali began in 1970. The industry was spearheaded by Pande Ketut Krisna from Banjar Tegeha, Batubulan Village, Sukawati Gianyar. The technique used is to use a well-known manual loom called Non-Machine Weaving Tool. The Balinese themselves often use batik clothes for the ceremonial process, so that it encourages the batik industry on the island of Bali to develop rapidly. In Bali, dozens of Batik industries have developed, featuring Balinese-style patterns including a combination of Bali and outside Bali, such as Bali-Pekalongan, Bali-Papua, and so on.

Choosing Balinese Batik Fabrics

There are so many of us in craft shops in Bali that sell various kinds of batik Bali fabrics with various motifs and patterns. You need to know in advance the types of batik available. It is important to make it easier for us to choose batik under the money we have and the quality of batik following available funds. In terms of manufacturing, the types of batik are divided into 4 namely written batik, batik combination of stamp-writing, stamp batik, batik pull (a combination of printing and writing techniques) and batik printing.

Bali has a variety of original designs, motifs, and patterns. Many batik Bali designs have been born which are usually combined with existing batik motifs from various regions in the country and the influence of Chinese motifs.

The high price of batik Bali because it is made from quality fabric and drawn directly by hand and uses natural dyes. The combination of motives that he used to do was to take the typical ornaments of the Island of the Gods, such as dragons, deer, storks, and turtles. Then it combines with motifs from regions outside of Bali which are usually in the form of flora.

The Art Value of Balinese Batik Fabrics

Batik Bali motifs are inspired by the stories of the gods in the daily life of the Balinese people. This can be seen from the motifs depicted in complex patterns and patterns. The design of this Balinese batik also has its prestige which shows the difference in class in society in Bali.

High-quality batik usually shows one’s social status in society, similar to the use of labels or well-known design brands in western societies that show one’s wealth in the western world. This pattern on batik Bali is drawn with the technique of depicting a pattern of wax on fine woven cotton which has been practiced as a form of meditation in Bali and Central Java for centuries. Where, in the beginning this mediation technique was only carried out by royal court servants. That is why until now traditional batik was only made by women.

At present the motif of batik Bali tends to follow modern batik in general. The motifs that are now commonly found in modern batik are expressions of objects that we can find in nature such as flowers, trees,  butterflies, fish, and birds. Now we can wear batik for daily activities as a casual outfit as well as a formal outfits for ceremonies.