BY Admin
Block printing is an ancient yet traditional art form of printing on fabric, paper, and other materials originated in India many years ago with using vegetable dyes or natural colors. Rajasthan’s capital city or Pink City of India, Jaipur was founded by Jai Singh II and is one of the earliest planned cities of modern Indian designed by Vidyadhar Bhattacharya. The famous Block Printing art is something which has something really exciting and happening traditional art. Block Printing in India is widely known as Woodblock Printing, woodcut printing, or hand block printing. This art is done by following a beautiful process where the required designs of wood are carved on the blocks and natural dyes are used for printing it impressively on fabric.
History of Block Printing
The traditional art of Block Printing is widely practised in Rajasthan, India for more than 500 years. Block printing was the 12th century old and the rich art form of printing on fabrics was formerly enjoyed by the artists. The block printing on fabric was introduced by the old Chippa community located in the Bagru village near Jaipur. This art is differently practised in Bagru and Sanganer villages in Rajasthan that are a major hub of this beautiful art which has been done on Block Print Quilts, Kurtis, Shirts, Bedsheets, Scarfs, etc.
Process of Block printing:
Block Printing is a simple yet interesting process which is done by using wooden blocks that are carved with different designs. The carved wooden blocks are dipped into the natural or vegetable dyes and colors and then gently pressed onto the cloth for imprinting the design. While the block printing Jaipur needs the practise to master but the simple procedure that includes -
Wooden block carvings -
The very first step of this process is to create a design on the paper which is going to be carved on wooden blocks. The designs can be highly inspired by traditional styles which may include Sanganer/Mughal prints, and motifs, etc. Once the design is drawn, the design is traced and carved out on the wooden blocks by hands.
Pre-washing of fabric -
The local artisans pre-washes and dyes the fabric. The pre-washing of clothes makes the block printing process more eye-catchy and beautiful. It ensures the woodblock printing gives a natural and clean look to the design that is carved on fabric.
Preparation of Natural and vegetable dyes -
Once the block is carved prepares the dyes and color for printing on fabric by mixing 3-4 different colours together. The color is prepared and then kept inside the wooden tray for blocks to be traced on the fabric.
Choosing a block printing Jaipur workshop would let you experience the rich traditional art of India. So, you can plan your workshop tour of textile printing in Rajasthan and learn more about this ancient art.