Forum: Orchid motif makes Singapore batik stand out

While batik is famous in Indonesia and Malaysia, Singaporean batik has evolved with its own motifs, distinct in its use of orchids (such as the Vanda Miss Joaquim, Singapore’s national flower) and a fusion of Peranakan, Chinese and Malay influences that differentiate it from the traditional regional styles.

Our distinctive batik tradition is also largely influenced by the work of the late artist Sarkasi Said, who played an instrumental role in establishing a visual style of batik which is uniquely Singaporean.

Mr Sarkasi designed the iconic Singapore Dress in the 1970s for the National Trades Union Congress featuring his signature orchid motif, which established him as the “Baron of Batik” and brought wearable batik to prominence, elevating it from craft to art and making him a household name in Singapore.

The orchid motif batik serves both as a nod to Singapore being a Garden City and an acknowledgement of the nation’s rich South-east Asian ancestry and shared regional heritage.

Osman V.P. Mohamed