Canting

' (IPA: , VOS Spelling: ''tjanting'', jv, ꦕꦤ꧀ꦛꦶꦁ, Tjanting) is a pen-like tool used to apply liquid hot wax ( jv, ) in the batik-making process in Indonesia, more precisely '' batik tulis'' (lit. "written batik"). Traditional ''Tjanting'' consists of copper wax-container with small pipe spout and bamboo handle. Traditional ''tjanting'' is made of copper, bronze, zinc or iron material, however modern version might use teflon.

Etymology

' is derived from Javanese word of ''canthing'' (IPA: ) which means the small scooping tool.

History

''Canting'' is originated in Java and invented by the Javanese, it is believed to be invented since 12th century.
G. P. Rouffaer reported that the ''gringsing'' batik pattern was already known by the 12th century in Kediri, East Java. He concluded that this delicate pattern could only be created by the ''canting'', an etching tool that holds a small reservoir of hot wax.

Design

A ''canting'' consists of:
# ''Nyamplung'': a rounded liquid wax container, made from copper.
# ''Cucuk'' (IPA:): a small copper pipe or spout that connects to ''nyamplung'' container, it is where the liquid wax comes out to be applied to the cloth.
# ''Gagang'': ''canting'' holder, usually made from bamboo or wood.

The size of ''canting'' may be varied according to the desired dot size or line thickness to be applied to the cloth. A batik craftsperson uses ''canting'' in a similar fashion as drawing using a pen.

Types

There are three ways of classifying the types of ''canting'':
# Based on its function:
## ''Canting'' ''Rengrengan'': ''canting'' that is ideally used to make a batik pattern for the first time.
## ''Canting'' ''Isen'': ''canting'' that is ideally used to fill a pattern that has been made beforehand.
# Based on the diameter of its ''cucuk'':
## Small ''Canting'': ''canting'' that has a small-sized ''cucuk'' with a diameter of less than 1 millimeter and is usually used as ''Canting Isen''.
## Medium ''Canting'': ''canting'' that has a medium-sized ''cucuk'' with a diameter of 1 – 2.5 millimeters and is usually used as ''Canting Rengrengan''.
## Large ''Canting'': ''canting'' with a large-sized ''cucuk'' with a diameter of more than 2.5 millimeters and is usually used to make a larger batik pattern or to fill a pattern that has been made beforehand with a block of wax.
# Based on the number of its ''cucuk'':
## ''Canting'' ''Cecekan'': ''canting'' with one ''cucuk''.
## ''Canting'' ''Laron/Loron'': ''canting'' with two ''cucuk''.
## ''Canting'' ''Telon'': ''canting'' with three ''cucuk'' that forms an equilateral triangle.
## ''Canting'' ''Prapatan'': ''canting'' with four ''cucuk'' that forms a square.
## ''Canting'' ''Liman'': ''canting'' with five ''cucuk'' that forms a square with a dot in the center of the square.
## ''Canting'' ''Byok'': ''canting'' with an odd number of ''cucuk'' and is equal to or more than seven ''cucuk'' that forms a circle with a dot in the center of the circle.
## ''Canting'' ''Renteng/Galaran'': ''canting'' with four or six ''cucuk'' that forms two parallel lines.

Technique

Firstly, the cloth must be washed, soaked and beaten with a large mallet. The hot and liquid wax is scooped from small ''wajan'' ( wok) heated upon small stove. The batik craftsperson sometimes blow the spout tip of ''canting'' to allow the liquid wax to flow smoothly and to avoid clogging, then they draw the line or dot upon the cloth, applying the liquid wax, following the patterns and images that previously had been drawn using pencil. A pattern is then drawn with hot wax called ''malam'' using ''canting''. The wax functions as a dye-resist. After this, the cloth is dipped in a dye bath containing the first colour. After the cloth is dry, the wax is removed by scraping or boiling the cloth. This process is repeated as many times as the number of colours desired. For larger areas of cloth which need to be covered, the wax is applied using a tool called tonyok ''nemboki/mopoki''.Batik Nomination for inscription on the Representative List in 2009 (Reference No. 00170)

See also

* Batik
* Indonesian culture

References

{{reflist

Batik
Indonesian culture