The hand drawn batik uses a special copper pen called the "canting" which is filled with melted wax and drawn across the cloth to create patterns and designs. When the wax outline are done, the artist uses a brush to paint the color dyes within the outline. This enables the artist to vary the color hues and shades for the design.When, the color is dry, a layer of sodium silicate is applied on the fabric to fix the color and left for at least 4 hours. The wax areas resist dye. The cloth is then boiled in warm water to get rid of the wax. Hang the batik fabric to dry.
The stamped batik goes through the same process like hand drawn batik. The only differance is that the canting pen is now replaced with copper or wooden stamp blocks bearing artistic patterns at the bottom. Various types of cloth are use for batik such as cotton, rayon, viscose and silk. The price of batik depends much on the type of cloth it is made as well as the type, whether it is hand drawn or stamp printed.
Stamp printed batik does not use intricate design like the hand drawn batik. The hand drawn batik bears exclusive design and takes more time to produce. As such, hand drawn batik are much more expensive than the stamp printed batik.
One of the popular batik manufacturer and retailer in Terengganu as well as in Malaysia is Nor Arfa Batik. Nor Arfa Batik is reputed to be the leading batik industry player in Malaysia and has many times participated and organised fashion shows around the world showcasing its beautiful and fine quality batik outfits.
Today batik products are not limited to clothes and outfits for men and women only. Batik are also use to make cushion covers, bags, curtains and slippers. Batik products make handsome souvenirs or gifts, so don't forget to get some for your friends or family during your trip to Terengganu.
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