Batik is as much an art form as it is a textile application. While it is a tradition with ancient origins dating back centuries, batik continues to be popular in both fashion and home decor.

According to an article by The Batik Guild, the word ‘batik’ is derived from the Javanese word ‘tik’ meaning to dot. Java, Indonesia, is still hailed as one of the foremost producers of fine batik, though the art form has been in use throughout the world for centuries, most notably in India, South America, China, Japan, and Europe.

Here, experts share the design and decorating details that set this renowned fabric apart.

Batik is a traditional art form of decorating fabric using wax and dye. Batik's artful nature is not only seen but also felt. “If you look closely at our batik pieces you can see and feel the evidence of the skilled hands behind it,” says McClure. “The color has a depth to it, the pattern left behind by the wax has a beautiful grainy quality, and each painted pattern is a little bit different.”

The grainy, unique nature of each batik piece is achieved through a hand-dyeing process that utilizes hot wax to resist dying in certain areas of the design.

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According to The Batik Guild, some of the earliest examples of batik date back more than 2,000 years in locations like Central Asia, India, the Middle East, and East Asia. While each of these areas may have independently developed the technique, it’s believed the craft began in Asia before spreading to other areas along caravan trading routes.

Batik was utilized in different forms in the various countries and continents where it was initially found. For example, batik screens dating back to around 700 AD have been found in Japan, while cave frescoes in India show illustrations of garments that suggest batik craftsmanship. Today, batik remains popular, especially in fashion and home decor.

To create batik, hot wax is applied to the fabric through a series of dots and lines by an artisan. When the dye is applied, the areas with wax will remain untouched. The wax is then removed, typically using hot water. This process can be repeated as many times as desired, with more intricate and colorful designs requiring more repetition.

“There are many different methods to batik, but they all share the process of applying wax to fabric in order to create designs via resist dyeing,” explains McClure. “Sometimes a hollow pen is used, sometimes a brush, or even a hollow stamp.” The real magic happens when the wax is removed, though. That’s when McClure says one can finally see the stunning and complex design come into full effect.

“Batik is truly a work of art on fabric,” says McClure. “Because the fabric is hand-painted, no two strokes are alike.” The same can be said for the use of color as well. For that reason, the result isn’t one that comes strictly from the human hand but instead is inspired by nature.

The oxidation process that occurs during drying as well as inconsistencies with the wax application can also produce unique pieces—even when seemingly employing the same technique and strategy from piece to piece.

Even with all the nuance that comes with the hand-crafted nature of batik, the tradition of the art form remains one of its most remarkable aspects. “I feel there is a special connection between culture, history, and the fabric because the technique has been handed down for so many generations and the fabrics themselves are rooted in religion and culture and can be adorned with symbolic designs,” says McClure.

It can’t be denied that batik has lasting appeal. “It has a handmade, painterly aesthetic that can be used in sophisticated traditional interiors or in casual country- or cottage-style homes,” says Soriano. But, while it certainly has staying power, some might find decorating with such a vibrant and intricately detailed design a bit intimidating. To help navigate how to incorporate batik into your home, McClure and Soriano share their top ideas.