Batik is an ancient motif that emerged from resist-dyeing, a method in which patterns are created by manipulating fabric to block dye from penetrating the entire cloth. Wax is melted and applied to the fabric’s surface and the cloth is placed into a dye bath. Once the fabric is dyed and rinsed, the wax is removed to reveal undyed sections—a process that can be repeated to create multicolored effects. Originating more than 2,000 years ago, before becoming more fully developed in 19th century Indonesia, batik techniques are frequently used in printed or woven textiles.
