
Canting

 (IPA: , VOS Spelling: "tjanting", ) is a pen-like tool used to apply liquid hot wax ( ) in the batik-making process in Indonesia, more precisely "batik tulis" (lit. "written batik"). Traditional "canting" consists of copper wax-container with small pipe spout and bamboo handle. Traditional "canting" 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:
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":
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".