The making of this intricate art is done by Hmong hill tribe women of Northern Thailand. Using large copper blocks, they stamp hot wax designs onto cotton cloths. Making wax outlines allow the dye to dye only the areas without wax. The fabric and wax is then dipped in indigo and other dyes to create the beautiful color. It is then boiled to remove the wax and the final product is what you see here!

It is known when the art of batik was first practiced in Java, batik belonged only to royalty and families of wealth and position. It was a hobby for the royal woman. Aristocrats and royalty had certain designs identifying a family, social status or geographical location on the island. Many of these designs have survived to this day. Today it is believed that certain patterns have special meanings and are thought to bring the wearer good luck, wealth, prosperity, health, etc.