Square, unhemmed fabric sample of handmade batik cloth from Java, Indonesia. Cotton. Main colour of dark brown with white spots with a dark line-drawn decoration consisting of large, tessellating diamonds with floral shapes on the touching corners, with floral-like decoration in the centre. Remnants of a purple-printed paper label in one corner.
Accompanying label reads 'This batik cloth comes from Solo and Jogyakarta in Java, where the very finest batik is produced. The design is made by fist waxing with a copper stamp - a "cap", as in the photo. The cloth is then dyed in indigo, rewaxed, and dyed in soga - a brown dye. The whole process can take several days and involves many specialist skills. The ten designs are all well-known, traditional Javanese designs. The cloth should be hand-washed in warm water the first few times'
stage of manufacture (batik)
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