Batik is a folk craft method of decorating textiles using a wax resist process. Fabrics are dyed, dried, then painted or printed with wax—which forms a resistant barrier for future dyings. When the fabric is dyed a second time, the new dye saturates all of the fabric except for where the painted wax has formed a barrier. When the waxy fabric is rinsed in hot water, the wax melts away leaving the craftsman’s painted (or printed) pattern. The cloth can be waxed and dyed numerous times—until the desired effect is achieved.
The use of the Batik technique is found in China, India, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, parts of Africa, and, most famously, in Indonesia.
The 1970’s Danish Modern vase above—though made of ceramic—experienced a similar wax relief process. After the vase was formed and bisque-fired, the first color (dark blue?) was applied. After drying (or possibly being fired), wax was painted-on in a pattern of rings, flowers, and lashings. The piece was then glazed—in a second, different color—coating the vase everywhere except for where the wax resisted the glaze. The process of waxing and glazing would be repeated until all desired colors and pattern had been applied. Upon firing, the wax would run-off or burn-up, leaving the intricate, layered glazing affect you see above.
Please come into the shop to see this beautiful piece or click on the photo to learn more about it.