Hi Katesnana,
Like me you have probably had batiks given to you by friends returning from holidays in Indonesia/Bali (and I have picked up many $2 sarong lengths at garage sales from people who obviously did not like the souvenirs that were brought home as presents!)The true batiks that I first encountered in Djakarta in 1969 had sharp, clear and intricate designs on monochrome backgrounds, nothing like the popular 'shadowy' designs of today's quilting batiks. I love both types, and often use the older type batiks for quilt backs -- the modern ones are out of my price range at the moment, but I won't be able to resist them forever.