The Diversity of Batik - Traditional & Cultural Cloth of Indonesia

The Diversity of Batik (Traditional & Cultural Cloth of Indonesia) - The many variety of Batik that develop and exist in Indonesia - Like technology, Batik also has been through a vast development and evolution over time, as we can see the diversity in the pattern and type.  The making of Batik itself has gone through some developments and changes compared to the past, namely Batik Tulis (hand painted like writing), Batik Cap (combining ready patterns and emboss it on the cloth), Batik Lukis (painting on the cloth) and many others.

Indonesian Batik is currently nominated by UNESCO  for Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The patterns and shapes of painting of Indonesian Batik as we see nowadays are an evolution or acculturation of other nations' cultural heritage, or remain the same as the most preserved cultural heritage from Indonesian ancestors. Here are some of the types of Batik found and developed in Indonesia.

1. Batik Kraton

Batik kraton is Batik in its most original form and the ground of all Batik types in Indonesia.  The pattern itself bears the philosophy of life, originally created by the Princesses of tradional kingdoms and also experts in Batik-making in the palace, as some areas in Indonesia still have and keep this particular administration, though it can also be perceived as cultural. Essentially, this pattern is forbidden for the "commoneers" to wear, such as Parang Barong, Parang Rusak , Udan Liris, and some other.

2. Batik Petani

Batik Petani or Farmers' Batik is made by housewives or home-staying mothers as a way to spend the time between going to the farm or spare time with family. Mostly this piece is recognizable by its roughness and the non-too-smooth finishing. 

3. Batik Belanda 

This particular type that can also be called Dutch Batik is a favorite among people from The Netherlands. The Dutch develop their own pattern preferable to Europeans, using European flowers such as Tulip and some iconic characters from their fairy tales.

4. Batik Cina/Pecinan

Batik Cina or Chinese Batik is an acculturation of Chinese people in Indonesia and the native Indonesians culture. What so typical about this kind is the bright colors with many variations in one piece, accented with strong Chinese cultures such as Peacock and Dragon in intricate yet smooth details.

5. Batik Jawa Hokokai

Japanese colonialization in Nothern Javanese shore was the time when Batik Hokokai was found and developed. The dominant pattern is flower like Japanese's  sakura and chrysanthemum. Nearly all Batik Jawa Hokokai bear complicated and beautiful pattern of Parang and Kawung in the center, and paddy flower as accent on the edges.

Indonesian Batik holds a lifetime of history and never stops from evolving, with Batik Pekalongan and Batik Solo as the example of growing and loved Batik in Indonesia nowadays. Check out  a short review on Model Tas Wanita Untuk Pergi Ke Pesta (Women's Bag for Party).