BY Admin
Block Printing in India was introduced in the early 12th century and it has been booming currently. The ancient printing technique was initially practiced on cotton fabrics but now it has also been entact on to silk fabrics. India has been trending on being one of the finest textile manufacturers and exporters in the world. This reflects that slowly and eventually, the ancient textile arts are gaining fame in the global arena. During the former era, the natural colors were used that were derived from natural substances but now as everything is getting updated with modernization, people started using synthetic and artificial colors and dyes for Block Printing in Jaipur.
The block printing technique includes three different procedures of direct printing, discharge printing, and resist printing. Utilizing these varied techniques include several advantages of Hand Block Printing. Let’s have a quick overlook on each one of these techniques -
Direct Printing Technique considers a cotton or silk fabric which is made bleach free. It is present in the fabric by soaking in the mixture of water, cow dung, sesame oil, and soda ash. The fabric is further given a yellowish tinge to remove the grey color effect on the cloth. Once the cloth is dried, it is further processed for block printing Jaipur. This technique uses wooden blocks designed differently which are dipped in dye and leave a lasting impression on the fabric.
Multiple traditional designs are carved by creating an outline with black color and then further use new colors that are added to them. Textile prints are created on the fabric’s outer side. Discharge Printing is considered as one of the best printing techniques in which the cloth is designed in many different ways, so as to give it a special appearance. The cloth is dyed by soaking it in the color and then dried as per the design is required. Later, that specific area on the fabric is faded by use of chemicals. It removes the excess of color from that specific area where the chemical is applied.
In the resist-printing technique, this leaves the fabric with distinctive and effective colored designs. It is mainly done for cotton or silk fabric. What makes it unique is that such designs are created which do not cover the whole of the fabric. It is done by applying a blend of resin and clay on the areas where no coloring or dying is required. The color is applied onto the fabric and it reaches the base of the fabric creating stunning designs carved on the wooden block.
Jaipur Block Printing is conducted in different ways in many different regions of India especially in the villages of Rajasthan, i.e, Sanganer & Bargu. The most demanded block printing designs are creatively used in multiple ways. Know more about this ancient art on a workshop tour to Jaipur.