stage of manufacture (batik)

Square, unhemmed fabric sample of handmade batik cloth from Java, Indonesia. Cotton. Off-centre main design set on a white background of abstract feathers and floral pattern printed in brown/orange and navy blue. Thick, floral border around two sides in black with brown and white detail.
Accompanying label reads 'This batik cloth comes from Solo and Jogyakarta in Java, where the very finest batik is produced. The design is made by fist waxing with a copper stamp - a "cap", as in the photo. The cloth is then dyed in indigo, rewaxed, and dyed in soga - a brown dye. The whole process can take several days and involves many specialist skills. The ten designs are all well-known, traditional Javanese designs. The cloth should be hand-washed in warm water the first few times'

Collection Information

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