Canting, Canṭing, Canthing, or Chanting (,, CHaHN-TeeNG) is a traditional Javanese tool to apply the malam (lit. 'melted wax') in the original Javan Batik-making process, more precisely for the Batik Tulis (lit. 'fully handmade Batik') type. Traditionally, the Canting consists of metal-based container for wax with small pipe spout and bamboo handle, made of copper, bronze, zinc or iron material, however modern version might use teflon.

Etymology

Canting 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 c. 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 nemboki/mopoki.