Batik Creating An Identity

by Lee Chor Lin

For the Javanese, batik is more than just shirts and sarung, The patterns and motifs express their various local identities; they are statements of Javanese life and philosophy.

144 pages, Paperback

First published August 30, 2007

Reviews

[Bivisyani Questibrilia · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I picked up this book at the book store, I actually have no idea what I was expecting out of it. I've read a book on Batik before, so I already knew quite a lot—well, more than people who haven't read anything on it, obviously. Also, I didn't really pay attention to who wrote the book—or I did, but after putting the book aside, it's completely slipped my mind—so I was quite surprised to find that it was published by the National Heritage Board of Singapore.

I find the book to be pretty aesthetically pleasing and well-sectioned. I love that it took a historical, as well as regional, approach to Batik. It explains its points eloquently and gives out examples whenever possible, making it easier to picture Batik in such uses as being described per spread. It also confirms that Batik were and are mainly being made in Indonesia—although without disregarding outside influence, especially that of West Asia and Europe. I learned a lot about colonial Batik, using Western patterns in a way that I've never seen before. It really shows how much the Dutch—and Europeans alike—adore and appreciate our culture.

Unfortunately, there are some information that I wish the book could have gone more into detail—although some of it is probably not even top priority. First of all, it would have been nice to learn why, when or how the Batik makers of back then started to use chemical dye. I find it such a shame as it is polluting our environment, bad for the artisans' health and not the original way Batik was made. Also, how did Indonesian Batik make its way to Singapore and how it might have influenced the culture of the country in history. The author did go into the historical functions of Batik in general, but it would have been nice to dedicate one whole chapter solely for talking about Batik in Singapore.

All in all, I really rather enjoyed the book and would recommend it as the first book to read for anyone who wishes to learn more about this ancient art.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative and beautiful book of batiks in Singapore’s national collection.