In 2009, Indonesian batik became an official part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list, which recognizes the importance of this unique art form to the history of human civilization. Presumed to be over 1,000 years old — with traces of its presence found in Africa, Asia and the Middle East — ‘batik’ is an Indonesian-Malay word that refers to a process of wax-resistant dyeing. Traditionally, a dye-resistant material is applied to cotton or silk, which prevents the fabric from absorbing color in specific patterns.
While batik is primarily well-known in the world of fabric design, Indonesian artisans from Java also apply it in creative and unique ways to other materials, including wood. NOVICA artisan Gunadi is a one such example, and his works stand out for their exceptional quality and beauty.
The processes his wood pieces undergo — even before the batik pattern is applied — are lengthy, time-consuming, and require patience. From carving and boiling to kiln-drying and sanding, Gunadi first shapes the wood into the desired form, whether it’s a bowl, jewelry box, ornament, mask or statuette. Eventually, the batik pattern is applied in a process called canting, which uses a pen-like tool to lay down the hot wax. Each of Gunadi’s batik patterns has special significance and plays a vital role in preserving this rich cultural heritage. | | |
