JAIPUR BLOCK PRINT
We call it "The Classic"
History:
The earliest evidence of Indian block print cotton fragments was found in Egypt, at Fustat near Cairo. Block printed fabrics have a recorded history dating back to the Indus Valley civilization around 3500 to 1300 BC. Although the practice of block printing was present in the Harappan period, it flourished under Mughal patronage in India. Today, this traditional art form is practiced in various states, including Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra. India is a significant manufacturer and exporter of block printed fabrics, reflecting the country's rich cultural heritage.
Process:
Hand block printing is a labor-intensive process, with the blocks themselves taking 10-15 days to perfect. The process involves washing the fabric, stretching it over a printing table, carving a wooden block with the desired pattern, and then stamping it on the fabric. The wooden blocks are soaked in oil for 10-15 days. A simple design may require three blocks, while a complex design may need up to 30. The fabric is then washed, dyed, and dried in the sun. The final step involves washing the fabric again to set the color.
Techniques:
The three widely-used block printing techniques in India are direct printing, resist printing, and discharge printing. Direct printing involves bleaching the fabric, dyeing it, and then using carved blocks for printing. Resist printing protects certain areas from dye by using clay and resin, creating a rippled effect. Discharge printing uses chemicals to remove portions of dyed fabric, which are then filled in with different colors.
References:
https://www.saffronmarigold.com/blog/the-craftsmanship-of-indian-block-printing/
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/18/t-magazine/block-print-jaipur-india.html
