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Batik 'tulis' may provide attractive investment option
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An artisan hand paints patterns on batik fabric. (Shutterstock/File)
O
ther than making you look more elegant, batik tulis (hand-drawn batik) can also serve as a good investment as the price may increase over time, according to a batik gallery owner.
"Batik can serve as an investment. If we purchase one today for Rp 10 million [US$735], in five to 10 years the value can increase much more," said Galeri Buana Alit owner Dwita Herman in Jakarta on Tuesday as quoted by kompas.com.
Dwita said one of the fabrics she owned, made by Pekalongan legendary batik brand Oey Soe Tjoen, could reach Rp 35 million to Rp 40 million in value. She bought it for only around Rp 6 million just a few years ago.
Read also: Three ways to identify quality batik
Today, Dwita said Oey Soe Tjoen batik is usually priced around Rp 20 million, and it can take a few years to receive after ordering it.
She said the price of batik tulis is varied, as it depends on the motifs and the density of the dots. For instance, she said a Dutch-influenced fabric from Cirebon is known for its bird and smooth line patterns; the latter was difficult to make since the artisans needed to hold their breath when doing it. Breathing while making the patterns could cause imperfections with the lines, meaning the artisans had to hold their breath for long periods of time.
Dwita advised customers to be cautious and pay attention when deciding to buy batik to ensure the fabric they buy is original and high quality.
"We should at least have one or two high-quality batik that we can pass on to our children," she added. (kes)
