Tjantings (noun, plural) are tools used in creating batik patterns. (Batik is a wax resist decorative technique used on fabric.) They hold and dispense hot wax in such a way that the artist can control the pattern laid down by the wax with a great deal of precision. Tjanting tools probably originated in southeastern Asia and are still used in the creation of traditional batik fabrics, notably in Indonesia. They are also used by other batik artists and artisans world-wide, from the traditional to the contemporary.
Pronunciation: Probably most proper is "t' jun ting" which rhymes with hunting. Some do say "t' jaun ting" which rhymes with jaunting. Also known as: canting (cantings, pl.) Alternate spellings: tjunting (tjuntings, pl.)
Now, what brought about this new word into my world?
Well, Dad visited Indonesia in the first week of July and visited a place called Probolinggo in East Java. It was for work, not pleasure. But he did find time to buy some souvenirs for the family. Among others, Dad was brought to visit a village where the womenfolk produced fine hand-painted batik cloth. The Indonesians call the product Batik Tulis (tulis means write in Malay).
 |
| Looks like a normal house from outside.... |
 |
| Once inside, a bevy of beauties were busy "writing" on a piece of cloth. Did my Dad flirt with them? hmmm..... |
 |
| The lady proprietor showing off a finished product. They also produced stuffs like bags, pencil cases, tissue holders, totes etc. |
 |
| Dad was told that the silver-grey 2-metre piece carries a price tag of IRD1,000,000 (about MYR400!!!) because of its intricate design. Nope, he didn't buy that one..... |
22 comments:
In Gganu and Kelate we called it Canting ;). I guess your dad do not have to go very far.. in the east coast state or even in KL? "pong ade jugok" ;))
OMC! That fabric is amazingly beautiful! All it needs is a few cat hairs...
What beautiful fabric. Maybe just a small hat made out of it for you.
Nubbin wiggles,
Oskar
Those fabrics are all so beautiful.I bet you'll look lovely in any of them :)
Brad
Jade: Mamason says she loves M'sian batik better... esp Trengganu made.i
Batik sarung or batik lepas Indon is ok but not for baju.Tak uumph .
I love Indonesian batik but it's quite hard to get in Malaysia at the moment. Maybe this ramadan.
Oh dear, pretty batik material for baju kurung there! Your mama dah buat baju raya? ekekeke))
Lillie says: "Haiii Braaad..I think you're very handsome.."
Ayoh Wang,
Doh ada gitu kan? Apa salahnya bantu industri kecil. har har har *evil laughs*
Katnip Lounger,
Oh yes...nothing beats cat fur as decor. har har har *evil laughs*
Oskar,
You must be joking. No way, not even a hat. har har har *evil laughs*
Brad dear,
Errr....but aren't those for girls? har har har *evil laughs*
Mamason dear,
To each his (or her) own. I don't know what Mama plan to do with her pieces. har har har *evil laughs*
Au & Target,
Tell your mom we can give her the address of that place. What she needs to do is fly to Surabaya first. har har har *evil laughs*
Aunty Lili,
Mama kata mana sempat nak ke tailor. Beli siap ajelah. har har har *evil laughs*
Aunty Puteri,
Purrrlease tell Lillie, "I know I am, dear." har har har *conceited laughs*
Ooh... lovely Batiks ! Yea yea... do wear batik Brad ! You will look awesome in it, and in fact you will protect your fur from fleas so your Mama doesn't have to bathe you too often
Tante Sandy,
We're all indoors. No fleas. But Nikki said I'll look like Nelson Mandela if I wear batik.... har har har *evil laughs*
lol ! I imagine more like Mister Muammar Ghadafi haha
Tante Sandy,
Muammar Ghaddafi doesn't wear batik! Only Nelson Mandela does. har har har *evil laughs*
Now those are some lovely pieces of batik! We had to use canting to do batik lukis in school. You have to draw really fast while the melted wax is still hot. Once the wax solidifies in the funnel, you should poke it out with a safety pin. If you use a mechanical pencil, it will leave bits of pencil lead in it, and if you use a ballpoint pen, you won't be able to write with the pen anymore. Life's Great Lessons, learned at age 13.
CO78,
Would you make a special one for me now? I won't mind the celorang celoreng one even. har har har *evil laughs*
Post a Comment