Block Carving

Block Carving –

There is different printing technique for pressing and stamping the fabric with carved wooden blocks. These are filled with color.  Block printing is a process that goes beyond pressing blocks into the fabric. There are different steps which are involved in carving each wooden block to prepare fabric, mixing dyes and applying final touches.

Each block printing requires different skills, patience and artistry. When these come together, they create gorgeous printed fabrics. Woodblock carving for block print -These hand-carved blocks provide the foundation of the printing process. Block carving is tedious and it demands exceptional craftsmanship. Wood carvers practice block carving over generations. IT usually ranged between 5-8 square inches

 The size constraints of the block define viable design parameters, and small motifs characterize Indian block prints.

Preparation –

Carved block absorb moisture during the printing process, and it is crucial that wood doesn’t wrap. For applying block print a design, artisans fill each element one block and one color at a time. There is use of a separate set of blocks to create fabric borders. Border might require multiple set of carves wooden blocks. Technique. The placement plays an important role in block printing techniques on fabric printing. 

Artists print the outline of the design. The block printer dips the outline block into the dye pad and moves the outline block into the dye pad and moves down to the long of the table. He carefully places the block into the fabric and then strike it with the heel of his hand. India role in woodblock printing. One might be wondering that printing was invented, since it is an art form. Even though, wood lock printing originated remains one of India’s leading heritage sites and crafts and enjoy a strong visual identity. It was started in China.

Although this art was born in China 4000 years back, India adopted this art and raised the art form. They are being exported and have a high commercial potential. India has developed the mastery level in secrets of natural plant dyes. This expertise enabled Indian printers to create unique designs and color palette that became the envy of the world.

Block carving goes back to Mughal era. Mughal enjoyed an immense fan Base with these textiles, and they were used as status symbols. They also used textiles as barter. Floral patterns were standard characteristic on fabrics. Today designs also feature theme. Indian elite families have favoured the hand printed textiles. Block printing was like history to these elite class people. Woodblock printing exists in a parallel universe to the modern world.  Artists practice block printing without any machines or computers. Indian block printing is catering to niche markets. Due to slow cloth movement and interest in handcrafted goods, Indian wood block printing is still alive.