Merchants' walls
Grand houses behind them.
One of Java's oldest batik quarters, home for centuries to wealthy batik merchants, where in the early twentieth century the Islamic traders' association that helped seed Indonesia's national movement was born. Its narrow lanes are known for high walls hiding grand merchant houses in Javanese and European styles. Visitors wander dozens of workshops and shops, watching batik made by hand with hot wax and the canting tool, batik printed with copper stamps, and cloth being dyed. Many workshops offer short classes where visitors make their own piece to take home. Wandering is free, and classes cost a fee that varies by workshop and length. Shop prices are often better than in malls, and polite bargaining is accepted in some. Give the quarter a morning and try a batik class with children, a fun experience and an unforgettable souvenir. Compare Laweyan's merchant batik with the royal batik of Kauman.
Grand houses behind them.
Wax, canting and stamps.
A short class and souvenir.
Laweyan, west Solo
Hand-drawn batik costs more and its pattern shows on both sides with slight irregularities; machine prints are perfectly regular with a faded back. Ask the seller before buying.