The Art of Hand Block Printing

The art of hand block printing — in other words, dyeing and coloring a textile using carved wooden blocks to stamp patterns onto its surface — is one that transcends borders. While the technology of printing designs onto the cloth is believed to have come from China some 4,500 years ago, the craft would evolve over the centuries as it traveled from land to land. By the twelfth century, the Indian subcontinent would transform into a vibrant center of textile development where local expertise in natural plant dyes and fixatives enabled hand block printing to reach unprecedented levels of visual complexity. British colonization during the nineteenth century further accelerated its global reach and influence.

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A labor-intensive practice, blocks are traditionally hand-carved from woods such as teak, sycamore, or pear. Once the artisan completes a design, the wood is treated with oil to soften the timber. The blocks are then dipped in dye and repeatedly pressed onto a select fabric, creating a detailed motif that stretches across the whole length of cloth. In this age of mechanization and mass-production, hand block printing returns our focus to the unique creative spirit of the artisan. Their techniques are eco-friendly, offering designs that are both versatile and timeless.