Definition:

Tjantings (noun, plural) are tools used in creating batik patterns. (Batik is a wax resist decorative technique used on fabric.) They hold and dispense hot wax in such a way that the artist can control the pattern laid down by the wax with a great deal of precision.

Tjanting tools probably originated in southeastern Asia and are still used in the creation of traditional batik fabrics, notably in Indonesia.


They are also used by other batik artists and artisans world-wide, from the traditional to the contemporary.

For the potter, tjantings can become a part of the tool set used in creating wax resist pottery decorations. Although there may be the temptation to try them as a slip dispenser as well, there tends to be much better tools for that purpose.

Pronunciation: Probably most proper is "t' jun ting" which rhymes with hunting. Some do say "t' jaun ting" which rhymes jaunting.

Also Known As: canting (cantings, pl.)

Alternate Spellings: tjunting (tjuntings, pl.)

Examples: A tjanting can be very useful in applying dots, stripes, and lines of hot wax or wax resist on bisqueware.