![At the museum no photos are allowed which is really unfortunate as it was well worth the visit and the guided tour is definitely not to be missed. In the museum there are even Batik made from the Dutch era which depicts stories like Little Red Riding Hood and Snow White!
I enjoyed the tour v much and at the end of the tour we were brought to this room where the artisan were working on hand drawn batik.
Below is an excerpt from Wikipedia for anyone interested in learning more about the process of batik making.
Firstly, a cloth is washed, soaked and beaten with a large mallet. Patterns are drawn with pencil and later redrawn using hot wax, usually made from a mixture of paraffin or bees wax, sometimes mixed with plant resins, which functions as a dye-resist. The wax can be applied with a variety of tools. A pen-like instrument called a canting (IPA: [tʃantiŋ], sometimes spelled with old Dutch orthography tjanting) is the most common. A canting is made from a small copper reservoir with a spout on a wooden handle. The reservoir holds the resist which flows through the spout, creating dots and lines as it moves. For larger patterns, a stiff brush may be used. Alternatively, a copper block stamp called a cap (IPA: [tʃap]; old spelling tjap) is used to cover large areas more efficiently.
After the cloth is dry, the resist is removed by scraping or boiling the cloth. The areas treated with resist keep their original color; when the resist is removed the contrast between the dyed and undyed areas forms the pattern. This process is repeated as many times as the number of colors desired.
The most traditional type of batik, called batik tulis (written batik), is drawn using only the canting. The cloth need to be drawn on both sides and dipped in a dye bath three to four times. The whole process may take up to a year; it yields considerably finer patterns than stamped batik.
Source: Wikipedia](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/9cd999fbd1cf55cbfe1f78176d52a342.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1200&h=500&q=medium)
Surakartaand its attractions for luxury travelers
In Surakarta, Central Java, luxury travelers can immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of culture and history while enjoying top accommodations. Start your exploration at the stunning Keraton Surakarta, a royal palace that showcases exquisite Javanese architecture and offers guided tours, allowing you to delve into the traditions of the Sultanate. Just a short stroll away, the vibrant Pasar Klewer is a bustling textile market where you can find high-quality batik fabrics and artisanal crafts, perfect for unique souvenirs. For a serene escape, visit the tranquil Lawu Mountain, where hiking trails provide breathtaking views, and luxurious resorts offer rejuvenating spa treatments amid nature. Experience the culinary delights at upscale restaurants like The Royal Kitchen, known for its gourmet Indonesian dishes that highlight local ingredients. For your stay, consider the upscale hotels located in the city center, like the Alila Solo, which provides a blend of modern luxury and traditional Javanese hospitality, making it the perfect base for exploring the city's cultural gems while enjoying exceptional service.
