For those of you who are interested in batik, like I am, the following delves into the process:Batik designs are created by melting a mixtures of beeswax and paraffin. Thin wax lines are made with a canting, a wooden handled tool with a tiny metal cup with a tiny spout, out of which the wax seeps (center of pictures). Different sized cantings are used to create the designs. The beige under cloth is completed and ready to be dyed. After the dying process hot water is poured over the wax and it melts away.
The invention of the copper block (on the right) developed by the Javanese in the 20th century revolutionized batik production. By block printing the wax onto the fabric, it became possible to mass-produce designs and intricate patterns much faster than one could possibly do by using canting.
UNESCO designated Indonesian batik as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity on October 2, 2009. As part of the acknowledgment, UNESCO insisted that Indonesia preserve their heritage.
