Caps are a Javanese invention and a Javanese word for a wonderful batik tool. A cap (sometimes spelled tjap which gives you an idea as to how it is pronounced) is a copper stamp which is used for putting on a whole design at once in wax.

This marvellous idea started in the mid 19th century when the batik industry in Java was in grave danger of extinction from European imported printed cottons. The use of a copper stamp which could put the whole design on in one go was a great time saver while still preserving the traditional look and feel of true batik.

The copper stamp is still widely used and is a work of art in itself. In Java many different caps may be used to complete a piece of batik and often mirror image pairs are used to wax the front and back.

We sell both second-hand and brand new caps. The used ones are usually very decorative but not so useful to use as they often have flaws. The new ones can be made to order.

Using the cap

To use a cap you will need a shallow flat pan which is big enough to accommodate the cap. Into this you should put enough wax (a mix of beeswax and paraffin wax is fine) to cover about half an inch, and a piece of flat kitchen scourer (these are often green). This helps to soak up the wax and acts as a sort of stamp pad. The pan should now be heated over a cooker or hotplate and the cap now needs to be heated in the wax for a few minutes until you can feel the heat in the handle. You may need to wrap this with a piece of cloth. When it is hot enough all over, it is ready to print.

Your fabric or paper should be on top of a bit of padding, a few newspapers will do very well. This makes sure you have a bit of 'give' when you use the stamp. Take the cap out of the wax and shake off any excess. Now place it carefully and firmly into the place you want your design. Give it a press and return to the pan, although you will get a couple of impressions out of each dip. You will need to experiment to get the cap printing perfectly but there should not be any problems with the new stamps.

When you have finished, leave the cap out of the wax to cool down.

If you are using a second-hand cap, you should be aware that the more detailed and intricate the design, the harder it is to get a good print. These ones are best left to the experts in Java, or as a very attractive item on your mantelpiece.

Good luck and have fun!

Batik equipment...