Neonatal mouse ovary batik

This batik was produced from a hematoxylin and eosin stained section from a neonatal mouse ovary. The image shows various structures within the ovary, including five oocytes in developing follicles. Batiking is an ancient art form that originated in the East involving the use of waxes and dyes. The wax prevents to dye being taken up by the material. The image is drawn using tjantings (wax pens) and brushes and procion reactive dyes are used to add colour. The image is built up colour on colour with each shade being preserved by covering in wax, leaving the rest of the material exposed for the next colour. Once the image is complete and completely covered in wax, it is ironed to remove the wax and seal the dyes.