![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://images.trvl-media.com/place/6224808/26fd1460-c65a-4c1a-9444-7a893e883ac9.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1200&h=500&q=medium)
Discover cheap things to do in Solo City Centre
Solo City Centre is a vibrant hub brimming with culture and affordable experiences perfect for the discerning traveler. Start your day by exploring the majestic Keraton Surakarta, a stunning royal palace offering free entry and a glimpse into Javanese history and architecture. Just a short walk away, the bustling Pasar Klewer market awaits, where you can browse an array of batik textiles and local handicrafts at budget-friendly prices. For a taste of local cuisine, head to the nearby street food stalls at Alun-Alun Kidul, where you can sample delicious and inexpensive dishes like nasi liwet and serabi. Don't miss the serene Taman Balekambang, a beautiful park ideal for leisurely strolls or picnics with family, providing a peaceful escape without spending a dime. After a day of exploration, retreat to one of the affordable hotels in the area, where you can expect attentive service and comfortable amenities, making you feel right at home. Many hotels are conveniently located, allowing easy access to these attractions, ensuring your stay is both enjoyable and straightforward.
