The batik sarong occupies a special place in Malaysia culture. Each piece tells a story that reflects not only the history of its origins but also the beliefs and skills of its creators and the live and cultural traditions of its wearers. Batik sarongs have served many functions but the primary use has always been a form of clothing, highly suitable in a country with a hot, humid climate. The production of batik sarongs has been transformed over the years from a cottage industry into a commercial enterprise, but old techniques persist – hand stamping and hand dyeing – along with traditional pattern structures and motifs. The sarongs featured in this book are drawn from several private collections. Most date from the 1970s when hand-made wax-printed batik reached its peak. A selection of contemporary batik sarongs displays skills in colour, design, style and technique that mark changing tastes and clientele. The texts written by a cross-section of people involved in researching, creating or collecting batik sarongs, are complemented by photographs that capture colours, patterns and motifs of this captivating textile art. The Department of Museums Malaysia has always recognized the beauty and importance of Malaysian textiles, including its hand-made batik. Its collection, judiciously acquired over the years, will now be enhanced by the donation of several vintage an new pieces featured in this book. This book, too, represents a labour of love. It is hoped that it will inspire a new generation of batik lovers, makers and collectors.