Beauty of Batik
My love affair with batik started very early on in my life. But, the truth is it was subconscious at first. It started with my love for the Kebaya. Its intricate hand-sewn sulam was traditionally worn with a batik sarong. Over time, I realized that I was more drawn to batik's vibrant colors and detailed design. I enjoyed that every single batik cloth is one of a kind as if it was uniquely created just for you.
When I was planning my wedding, I wanted to showcase my love for batik. I started first by hunting down the batik sarongs for my bridesmaids. I wanted the batik sarongs to be pastel in colors, but this wasn't easy to find. After weeks of looking, I stumbled upon a family-run shop called Basharil Bros at Haji Lane in Singapore.
The moment I laid eyes on the display, I knew this was the one. It is funny how it is hard to accurately describe what you are hoping to find. It is the rush of emotion you feel when you find the right one that becomes the deciding factor. Given that each piece is unique, I was so lucky to find 9 similar ones to buy. I was over the moon with the purchase.
Batik piece purchased from Basharil Bros, Haji Lane, Singapore
I also hoped to decorate my wedding venue with batik, from table cloths to backdrops and door gifts. However, the reception did not materialize, given the lockdown restrictions. I was still determined to decorate our home, so I took out all of my batik cloths and started draping them across our furniture. The vibrant colors all over our house really made it feel like a celebration. Here is my favorite piece that we used as a table runner - it was unique given the fan motifs vs. the usual floral motifs.
Batik from my personal collection
Then, I started researching more about batik. I was surprised to find out that the origin of batik is a point of contention even though "batik" is an Indonesian word meaning "to dot" or "wax writing." The word batik essentially describes how it is made using a tool called canting. The truth is, batik reached its peak achievement in Indonesia. However, it is now a tradition also in Malaysia and Brunei.
Interestingly, different batik designs, colors, and methods of making can be traced to different geographies. The mythical bird garuda is often found in Indonesia's batik, and colors such as dark red and indigo blue are associated with Indonesia's persisir area. Cranes, lotus, peonies, and pastel colors are usually associated with the Peranakan-made batik. While Malaysian batik usually only features larger motifs of florals and geometric shapes often made through the brush painting method.
I've also looked for different ways to incorporate batik in my daily life, and I wanted to share some of my finds:
Batik, Traditional Textiles of Indonesia by Rudolf Smend & Donald Harper
There is a lot to learn to understand how to identify the story behind every single batik cloth. My curiosity on this made me pick up this book, which details how to identify different Indonesian batik designs to their origin.
Betterthanblouses by Pei Shern
A shop run by a Malaysian selling beautiful batik blouses that are comfortable and in stunning batik designs. I've picked a few up and have become my staple work-from-home outfit. Some of my favorites are the Navy of the Orient top, and I heart Sheena Skirt.
Batik Girl by Irwan Junaidy & Heidi Shamsuddin
My latest find is this award-winning short film by a local animation company, R&D Studio. This 9-minute video was such a heartwarming watch and captures how I feel about batik and art, in general. That admiring and creating art can lift up your spirits even on your dark days.
This is just the start of my batik appreciation journey. I have a lot to learn still, but I am excited to continue discovering more about the beauty of batik and see where it brings me.