batik textile

Enchanted by the beauty of Sita, the evil king Rawana wants her as his concubine. He sends one of his knights to tempt her by transforming himself into a golden deer. Sita, captured by her curiosity, asks her husband to catch the golden deer. Thus begins one of the many trials that beset the noble Rama - though happily, love will ultimately prevail. The story comes from the Sanskrit Ramayana, or "Romance of Rama," the Hindu epic poem. Gusti Made Sujana uses batik to depict Rama and Rawana with the deer.

A royal personage rides in grand style atop a regally clad elephant in this handcrafted batik wall hanging from Siddique in India. Batik is an ancient art form whereby wax is applied to the cloth so it will resist the dye. In complex designs using multiple colors, such as this one, the process must be repeated many times. The wall hanging features loops at the top for a tapestry rod (not included).

This extraordinary wall art depicting the Hindu god Ganesha, also known as Ganapati and instantly recognizable for his elephant-like head, is expertly rendered by Ida Bagus Lawa Bargawa. A master of the traditional batik technique, the Balinese artist skillfully hand-sketches the figure and employs freehand wax resist application, which demands considerable expertise, with distinct dye baths for each colour to create the vibrant and intricate batik art. In Hinduism, Ganesha is known as a god of knowledge and a remover of obstacles.

In perfect harmony, Lord Krishna dances with his beloved Radha, both swaying to the music of his flute. Siddique from India presents this beautiful handmade cotton batik wall hanging. Batik is an ancient art form whereby wax is applied to the cloth so it will resist the dye. In complex designs using multiple colours, such as this one, the process must be repeated many times. The wall hanging features loops at the top for a tapestry rod (not included).

Seated on a tiger, Shiva lifts a hand in blessing. Regarded as the celestial overlord of deliverance through destruction, Shiva has his customary trident by his side as a show of divinity. The hissing cobra that slithers around his head symbolizes his potent divine destructivity, and his matted hair is thought to contain the flow of the Ganges River. Shiva is one of the most complex gods of India, embodying seemingly contradictory qualities. He is both the destroyer and the restorer, the great ascetic and the symbol of sensuality, the benevolent herdsman of souls and the wrathful avenger. Unaffected by the whims of the world, he is innocent and guileless, pure of mind and heart. He does not adorn his body with jewels or flowers — he mats his hair and dresses in animal hide.

Ida Bagus Lawa Bargawa is a master of the batik technique, sketching the figures by hand and applying the wax resist freehand, which requires great skill. A different dye bath is required for each separate colour in his elegant and complex batik "painting."