Batik Tjap, or stamped batik, is a method of creating pattern with hot wax as dye-resisting agent. Batik tjap is faster to produce and, hence, more economical than batik tulis. Of course, there are a lot of artisans that combines both batik tjap and batik tulis to give a unique touch to every art work.

Batik Tjap: the Process

After the designers determine the pattern on their drawing board, the design is translated onto a copper stamp. The stamp is of approximately 15 x 15 cm square in size. In the past, wooden stamps are common as well. However, the fibre of the wooden stamp is visible in the end product and copper stamps became more popular.

The artisans dip the stamp into a flat wok filled with warm wax and a soft absorbent pad. After letting the excess wax drip back into the wok, they stamp over the white cloth. They then repeat the process to produce a perfect tesselation of cohesive pattern throughout the cloth length. Overall, the whole process takes about two to three hours to complete a whole kain panjang.

Precautions When Doing Batik Tjap

The most difficult part is to get the pressure and time right first time. It requires sufficient, but not excessive, pressure to collect the wax from the wok and to stamp it on to the cloth. Too little pressure, not enough wax cling on to the cloth. Too much pressure, there will be too much wax and result in thick outline.

Timing-wise, it is like dancing. Artisans pivot on their feet to ensure quick movement of the stamp from the wax pot to the cloth stamping table. This is crucial to prevent the wax from drying up. They also need to time the stamping time accurately. If too quick, then the design is not completely transferred onto the cloth. If too slow, then the wax will drip and the pattern outline might be thicker than intended.

While maintaining the right pressure and the perfect timing, they need to be precise when stamping so that the overall design flows smoothly without any design “breaks”. Imperfections include, uneven outline thickness, misalignment, empty spaces. This may sound easy but this waxing method is much more labour-intensive than batik tulis method with a canting. Therefore, it is not surprising that this task is mostly reserved for the men.

Like any other craft skills, practice makes perfect. Although it is not a home DIY-friendly method, it would be an experience to go to a batik factory and to watch these men doing their rhytmic movement while navigating hot wax, heavy stamp and precise design.

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