Artisans in India mimic traditional embroidery patterns by using wax-resist batik to create an ivory-hued design along the neckline, hem, and sleeves of this cotton-knit tunic. Butterflies also decorate the navy and turquoise tie-dyed background. Clear sequins add sparkle to a casual split-V-neck, 3/4-sleeve design.

Women’s sizes S (4–6), M (8–10), L (12–14), XL (16–18).

100% cotton. Made in India.

Hand-wash.

The wax-resist dyeing technique of batik has been found from Egypt to Mali and from India to Malaysia, as early as 2,000 years ago.

The most traditional form of batik begins with a needle-like object called a canting, through which melted wax flows as the artists uses it to draw a design or pattern on fabric. When the fabric is placed in a dye vat, the color will not permeate the areas that have been permeated with wax. For more complex patterns, this wax and dye process can be repeated with any number of dye colors. After the final dip into the dye vat, the fabric is hung to dry and the wax is dissolved in a solvent or melted away with a hot iron, revealing the previous layers of protected fabric as well as the crackling lines that are the hallmark of batik.

In the 20th century, Javanese batik artists developed a process by which batik could be executed more quickly, but still by hand. Now, a copper block is often used to transfer wax in a predetermined pattern over a larger area.