![Malaysian Batik](https://magarticles.magzter.com/articles/405/526346/5f7e9d1f65560/Malaysian-Batik.jpg)
The batik we recognise today are brilliantly coloured, intricately patterned fabrics of varying motifs that can range from delicate, winding florals to complex geometrical shapes. Though you’ll find more mass-produced designs due to the inevitable mechanisation of batik, its hand-crafted element is a tradition still practised today albeit having adapted to modern times.
Dubbed as a ‘painting in reverse’ in an old New York Times article published in 1975, it’s a rather accurate description of the ‘resist dyeing’ technique used in creating batik. Apparently an age-old process practised as early as 4th century CE in Ancient Egypt, it’s mentioned in M A Hann’s book Patterns in Culture—Techniques of Decoration and Coloration that a burial site in Achmin, Upper Egypt revealed a child’s tunic with a simple block pattern made of wax print and was decorated by a “resist dyeing procedure”.
In the context of Malaysian batik, one would have to retrace its Javanese influence, which goes as far back as 15th to early 16th century Malaya when the Malaccan Kingdom was still at its height. Interestingly enough, while the city eventually fell to Portuguese colonisation in 1511 AD, trade reports documented by Duarte Barbosa (a writer and officer of Portuguese India in the 1500s) describe the trading relationship between the Malay Peninsula and Indonesia unaffected despite “being occupied by two different European colonies”, leading scholars to deduce that batik was introduced to Malaysia via its past maritime trade with Java.
This story is from the October 2020 edition of Tatler Malaysia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 2020 edition of Tatler Malaysia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
![CHANGING THE GAME](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/405/1623326/fWOSE862F1709814401136/CHANGING-THE-GAME.jpg)
CHANGING THE GAME
Our world is ever-changing, and so is the way we experience it. Tatler explores how the travel industry is adapting to the needs and values of a new generation
![THE BIRTH OF A MOVEMENT](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/405/1623326/Ldu-jF5bV1709813998996/THE-BIRTH-OF-A-MOVEMENT.jpg)
THE BIRTH OF A MOVEMENT
More women are taking back their birthing experience—and their power—by challenging the institutionalised norms surrounding childbirth, honouring the healing process and leaning on the magic of sisterhood
![Journal, SHE WROTE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/405/1623326/5ApkAnuKG1709813817590/JOURNAL-SHE-WROTE.jpg)
Journal, SHE WROTE
Journal scrapbooking virtuoso Tercia Goh opens up on embracing the traditionally analogue hobby of putting pen to paper in an increasingly digital world
![STROKE of INSPIRATION](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/405/1623326/lqoPHiIDY1709813576313/STROKE-OF-INSPIRATION.jpg)
STROKE of INSPIRATION
Rooted in the philosophy of harmony and balance, Jaee Tee invites viewers to delve into the layers of meaning within her art
![GOLD.GLORY.GAME ON.](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/405/1623326/G8ExAUbOU1709813373299/GOLDGLORYGAME-ON.jpg)
GOLD.GLORY.GAME ON.
Meet Grills Gaming, the all-women Dota 2 team breaking the glass ceiling to make a name in the Southeast Asian esports arena and beyond
![Crafting Time](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/405/1623326/pO8sn8ubz1709813047815/CRAFTING-TIME.jpg)
Crafting Time
A conversation with master watchmaker Dr Rebecca Struthers, the first person in the UK to earn a PhD in horology
![(Wo) Man of the Hour](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/405/1623326/8w4yyx2xh1709812742987/WO-MAN-OF-THE-HOUR.jpg)
(Wo) Man of the Hour
Tatler chats with Evelyne Genta about her late husband Gérald Genta’s legacy in watchmaking
![Foundation of Excellence](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/405/1623326/GK49nBaNE1709812490566/FOUNDATION-OF-EXCELLENCE.jpg)
Foundation of Excellence
Sunway International Schools Kuala Lumpur's new campus marks a year of academic triumph
![Eat, Drink and Fly Merry](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/405/1623326/2URHQF2XJ1709812273489/EAT-DRINK-AND-FLY-MERRY.jpg)
Eat, Drink and Fly Merry
Malaysia Airports entice guests with gastronomical delights
![Elegance Unfolded](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/405/1623326/beOOh5f0F1709811998020/ELEGANCE-UNFOLDED.jpg)
Elegance Unfolded
A day in the life of Marion Caunter with the Honor Magic V2