the sarongs
Batikers have an identifiable style... usually. These images represent some of the finest quality batikers in the area around Kuala Terengganu on the east coast of Malaysia. For a better appreciation, the vast majority of sarongs in the marketplace are... not as vibrant. Click on links for more information about individual batikers and to see larger views. Or enter the world of batik-o-rama! Or cheat and skip to "My Favorite Sarongs". This diagram identifies the different parts of a sarong.
WAN AZHAR
HAJI WAN ISMAIL
HAZWANI
Wan Azhar is a hightly respected batiker in the village of Seberang Takir. His elegant designs are noted for their clarity and cool, crisp colors.
Haji Wan Ismail, a well-known producer of traditional--in style and in method--batik is at the forefront of the silk-screen transformation. However, these examples are hand-stamped.
Hazwani is a small factory in Hileran named after the owner's daughter. They produced batik with a bright modern look which appeals to tourists.
S.Z.A.B.A.R.
KRAFTANGAN
"WHO IS KNOW?"
S.Z.A.B.A.R. was a batiker in Masjid Tok Ku whose designs were outstanding, whose colors were wonderfully balanced, and whose execution rivalled Wan Azhar. This factory closed in 2001 due to the economic downturn... a great and irreparable loss.
The Kraftangan are government-run craft schools whose curricula included block (cap) making, batik... and silk-screen batik printing.
Anonymous... approximately 20% of the sarongs I've bought cannot be attributed to a maker, due to the absence of the batiker's name cap (chop).
KAMIS
SATU LAPIS
BAD BATIK
Kamis is a prolific producer near Selat Beladau of no particular style but with some interesting color choices.
Satu lapis means one layer of wax, ie one color. Usually blue.
Bad batik. It happens.
Click on the arrow to continue reading about the process of making batik.