Craft Stories
Hand block printing process and interesting facts about it
Hand Block printing is an ancient textile tradition that has its roots in Egypt but in India it is originated in the Rajasthan centuries ago. It is also found in other states of India like Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Chhattisgarh. All these areas have their distinct motifs and it is fascinating to see techniques and designs coming together to form something incredible. From beautiful motifs to contemporary designs, there is a certain contemporary vibe to this art.
Here are the steps involved in the Hand block printing technique and some interesting facts about the process:
1. Preparation: Raw fabric is first washed to remove starch, to assure minimal absorption of dyes and then bleached in a gentle solution. Once bleached, it is hung up on tall bamboo frames to dry in the hot desert sun. In preparation for printing, the cotton fabric is stretched tightly over the printing tables and fastened with pins to avoid wrinkles and movement.
2. Process: Hand block printing is a skill which is perfected with time and practice. Block printing is done using a block of wood, preferably teak, which is hand carved and soaked in oil for a week for proper usage. Colors are mixed in a separate room from the printing .They are then kept on a tray which the printer drags along as he works. The block is then dipped in dye and stamped on the fabric. When printing begins, artisans first print the outline of the design .This is usually done by the most experienced printer as the outline leads the whole process and must be very precise. The rest of the team then fills in the colors with the various “fil” blocks. Once printed, the swaths of fabric are hung to dry in the sun before a final wash.This step of drying makes the print look bright.
3. Prints: While traditional prints and motifs include leaves, branches, elephant, peacock, feathers and flowers, Indo-western prints have also found place in hand block printing.
4. Art of love and labor: Block printing is a labor-intensive, painstaking process which requires time, teamwork and a tremendous level of skill. For example, it can take five carvers up to three days to create a pattern in a printing block. And the printers may use as many as thirty blocks to complete one design! Despite competition from faster and cheaper methods of textile design, block printing has resisted industrialization throughout the years and is still done without any mechanization.
5. Uniqueness: Since hand block printing is executed manually, there are always some irregularities in the print. Despite this the beauty of the hand block prints is incompatible. And this very fact makes hand block printing unique. One more thing which enhance it’s uniqueness is that it is done by skilled artists who have been in this field for decades. This art is passed down to the generations who carry forward the legacy. This art is deep rooted to the culture, historical and artistic traditions.