Batik has existed in some part of Asia for centuries. However, it is greatly developed as an art in Indonesia, especially in the island of Java and Madura. Beside art, batik represents culture, life and history of each place.

Batik tulis or hand-drown has been known in Java since 1516. The process demands great skill, care and patience. The finest pieces of Batik is reversible and multi-colored. Therefore, it may take 12 months or more to complete a single pieces of one or two yard. The proces include designing, drawing, waxing, dying and finishing on one side, then on the other side of the material and it repeats for each color.

In 1840, Batik cap or stamp was discovered. Unlike tulis, the process of Batik cap is more simple and shorter. An artist can wax around 20 pieces a day compare to 45 days a pieces for Batik tulis.
Later, tulis and cap techniques were combined in maximum 8 colors with no more than 10-16 yard for quality assurance.

Since the nature of Batik is art, the quantity is limited and it is extremely difficult to make one motif exactly match another.

Recently, Batik manufactures produce screen-printing technique, which is more efficient and available for mass-production. However, people who appreciate Batik and affluent clientele prefer Batik tulis for art value and quality.