Which technique is characterized by wax application to prevent dyeing?

The technique characterized by wax application to prevent dyeing is batik. In batik, hot wax is applied to fabric in specific patterns, which then resist dye during the coloring process. This allows for the creation of intricate designs, as the wax serves as a barrier that prevents the dye from penetrating those areas. After the dyeing process, the wax is removed, often revealing a beautiful contrast between the dyed and un-dyed portions of the fabric.

The other choices represent different artistic techniques. Appliqué involves sewing pieces of fabric onto a larger piece to form a design but does not utilize wax in its process. Knitting is a method of creating fabric from yarn using needles and is not related to dyeing or wax application. Enameling is a technique that involves fusing glass to metal, which also does not involve dyeing fabrics or using wax as a resist. Each of these techniques has its own unique characteristics and processes, but only batik incorporates wax application as a fundamental part of the dyeing methodology.