experience the real Jogja...

Yogyakarta does not only keep historical heritage buildings but also so many wonderful art works. Classical Written Batik from Yogyakarta is a today art work that the preservation has been harmed with the limited Classical Written Batik producers who are still productive in the student city.

Some time ago, when our team hunted for tourism potencies in Kelurahan Kadipaten, Kecamatan Kraton, Yogyakarta, only some producers were found. One of them is a woman aged 74 named Bu Darto who has been producing her batik until today, although daily with the other seven women Batik workers, she produces Batik in Ngayogyakartahadiningrat Palace. The Palace has provided all of the materials needed for Batik making. Those workers were paid daily and given salary from the each Batik they have produced.

The most significant characteristic of Classical Written Batik from Yogyakarta is on the mixture of three colors; black, brown, and white. Some of the motives that are produced most are Sidoasih, Sidomukti, Sidoluhur, Parangkesit, and Parangrusak. Generally, motif Sidoasih is used by bride and bridegroom in "ijab kabul" (read: ee-jab kabool) hoping that they can love and care one another ever after. However, motif Sidomukti is used in a wedding party. They hope their life in the future will always be harmonious and happy.

Below are some steps to make a Written Batik:

1. Provide the materials and tools needed, like plain cloth ± 3 meter, canthing klowongan, seret loro, isen-isen, penorong, and cecekan.

2. Draw a motif on the cloth.

3. Line the cloth's edges.

4. Bold the motif with the melted wax.

5. Fill in the pattern several times.

6. Hang the cloth to dry.

7. Soak the cloth in black colored water.

8. Re-hang the cloth to dry.

9. After getting dried, soak the cloth in hot water so that the wax peeled and the parts that were closed now opened.

10. For the best result redo all the steps above.