Canting (Stylus) For Batik Process

The Canting is the primary utensil used in batik process which determines wheter the results of the work may be called batik or not. The canting is used to write (draw with liquid wax), making the batik motifs desired. It is made of copper. Copper is light is easily bent, and is strong, though thin.

Parts Of The Canting:

1. Gagang Terong

The gagang terong is the tail end of the canting utensil, placed on the bank, to be inserted into the real handle. Gagang = stem, terong is the name of a plant of the trumpetflowered or solanaceae species (i.e eggplant).

2. Nyamplungan

The nyamplungan is the main part of the canting, the body or basin. It is used to scoop the liquid wax out of the wajan (pan) just before batiking. It is called nyamplungan because it's form and size are reminiscent of the nyamplung, a small round fruit like a ball.

3. Carat or Cucuk

The Carat or Cucuk is the part formed like a bent pipe which forms the channel through which the liquid wax in the basin passes onto the cloth in the batik process. Cucuk actually means a bird's beak. Carat is a spouted waterpot.

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