Product Description :
Printed to Perfection
Hand Block printing is one of the primitive art form, which due to its artistic beauty is admired by modern men and women not just in India but across the globe. Known for their amazing dexterity and craftsmanship, skilled artisans use wooden blocks to create intricate and colorful design patterns on fabrics using traditional techniques passed on to them through generations. While the technique and type of block printing vary in different parts of the country, the beauty, essence, and popularity of the craft remain intact, as statistically, India is now one of the leading exporters of block printed fabrics in the world.
The Making Process
1
Block making Rekh and Datta
Thick woodblocks, usually made from Teak wood, are used to make the designs for block printing. Intricate patterns, designs, and motifs are hand-carved neatly on to these blocks using chisels or knives. Rekh or the outline block is usually stamped first, followed by filler block datta. There is a separate block for every colour in the design.
2
Printing with the Blocks
After the hand-carved woodblocks are dipped in colour, they are pressed hard against the fabric to get a proper impression. The fabric is prepared beforehand by thoroughly washing it to remove the starchiness and increase absorption. To create intricate designs, the artisan uses multiple blocks of different patterns and applies them on an existing pattern after it has dried.
3
Finishing the Printed Fabric
Once the printing process is completed, the fabric is given the requisite amount of time for the colours to set properly. Thereafter, it is washed in water and dried in the sun. The beautifully designed block printed fabric is now ready to be used to make fashion apparels, home furnishings, accessories and more products.
Block Printing Across the Country
5
Sanganeri & Bagru block print
The state of Rajasthan, is known for its Sanganeri and Bagru block print technique. Sanganeri block printing is usually done on white fabric whereas Bagru print is done on red and black fabric. Commonly known as block prints of Jaipur, these are renowned and cherished across the globe.
6
Bagh block print
The Bagh print from Madhya Pradesh is an all-time favourite with designs based on jali work, paisley, floral prints like jasmine, mushroom etc. Its name is derived from a small village Bagh, in Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh. Post printing, it is washed thoroughly to remove excess dye.
7
Ajrakh
Ajrakh, a unique form of block printing practiced in the Kutch region is a 16 step process. It involves washing, dyeing, printing and drying with one step being performed in one day and the fabric being put to dry for rest of the day. The motifs are inspired by geometric patterns bringing them to life using the technique.
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Kalamkari, Batik & more
Kalamkari from Andhra Pradesh uses a combination of painting with block printing to produce intricate yet elegant designs based on flower and animal motifs.
Batik printing done across India is based on wax-resist printing method. The designs are made by Wax and the fabric is then dyed. The color gets on all part expect the wax, which is then removed by scraping or boiling the fabric in water. The patterns that comes out of it are inspiring and mesmerizing.
