About Chinese Wax Printing / Batik
The traditional Chinese art of batik painting and printing, which are handed down generation by generation in minority regions in Southwest China, especially in Guizhou and Yunnan Provinces, have been endowed with peculiar artistic style and enjoys the prestige of "ethnic artistic flower of distinctive Chinese elements". Until now, The Wax Printed Painting, a kind of purely appreciative artwork made by people, mainly artists, and the unique enchantment of Chinese art, are increasingly popular with westerners throughout the world with their pragmatism and artistic culture. Our products with abundant patterns, gorgeous color and special style are all made in these areas with their original form, absolutely hand-made by local masters. Learn more about culture of batik / wax printing
How to Make Wax Printing / Batik by Hand in China
( Chinese minority girl is painting with charcoal and then with bee wax. )
Having a good sense of colors and patterns is significant for a batik artist. The motifs used in batik may be simple, however knowledge of color gradations and tack to remove wax finely are required. How to skillfully applying the wax resist and systematic cracking are the key facts of creating a beautiful art piece. The characteristic batik effect is created by cracking of wax on the lighter hues and seeping in of the darker colors though them.
Linen or cotton is commonly used as the cloth for batik, on which a pattern is designed, first with charcoal and then with bee wax. Thereafter, either ink or wax is drawn on layer upon layer. By submerging the cloth into hot water, the wax dissolves. Thereafter, the next color can be applied. By this method the ink leaks through it can be avoided. This procedure is repeated until the desired result is accomplished. That is the reason why the prices of the paintings fluctuate drastically. As for the choice of the wax, it differs for each type of effect that is desired. Specific washing procedure is employed for the result of how much "crackle" is desired for each technique. The temperature and the method of application of the wax also have great influence on the desired result. There are as many recipes as there are batik workshops.
The most common recipe is a mix of 70% paraffin (brozer) and 30% bee wax (elastic and flexible). The more paraffin is applied, the more crackle effect appears. On the contrary, the more bee wax is applied, less crackle effect is visible. One may also add different types of raisin to the recipe.
Compiled by Alan and edited by Jackie from
Chilture.com
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