The Star of Fashion

Batik is a technique of the color barrier by using wax, which has been there since it was first introduced by Chastelein batex name, a member of the Raad van Indie (council of the Indies) in 1705. At that time cotton cultivation and weaving mostly centered on the island of Java. Ordinary citizens who wear cloth painted in their own way. But the Javanese aristocrats in those days always wore a cloth from Gujarat. “They should always wear batik cloth,” muttered Chastelein. Finally, the technique developed and worn by almost all circles, up to now.

Batik, as its name “mbatik” is make a point. Philosophically means: labor-intensive. Because for make batik needs  much labor. From start to design, draw patterns, opening and closing nights of fabric, color, until the market’s own batik. Mbatik can also mean mbabate pitcher sitik. Batik requires extraordinary patience, given the batik comes from the heart.

Batik was originally a part of craftmanship, as the production technology penetration and staining, very strong sense of industry. We only know batik (handdrawn) and abandoned the technique since the 19th century, printed batik (handstamp). The most recent innovation is the batik in Pekalongan night with the usual screen used in the screening techniques / printing.

Pekalongan batik and society can not be separated, because they live and feed batik. More than that batik is part of the past, present and future of coastal communities north of the island of Java.