Block Prints -Indore

Introduction –

Block printing has an ancient technique; textile printing. This technique is practiced in modern times. These intricately wooden career blocks are used to stamp patterns into the fabric. The dyeing method is used to resist -dyeing, where true colours are used after teaching with air.

Significance: –

The Block printing technique is famous for its versatile nature, where a combination of various motifs is used to achieve a beautiful patterned fabric. Craftsmen get the freedom to experiment with and create new designs which is the versatile nature of the craft. This helps them to experiment and create new designs.

These prints have become rare now and few old fabrics are preserved by traditional craftsmen. Due to passion and genuine interest shown by craftsmen, highly skilled based craft has survived due to the efforts of craftsmen.

 History: –

• This art of block printing was seen practiced in Sindh and is believed to have existed in 300B.
•  Block printed fabric is believed to be unearthed at sites like Gustav in Egypt.      
• There are reports where Indian textiles have been exported to the West.       
• The craft flourished under the Indus River in Sindh Area.      
• River was the source of the site for wading clothes and water needed to grow indigo.       
• Printing and dyeing flourished in Rajasthan in the medieval ages·       
• Craftsmen in Gujarat have developed expertise in printing with wooden blocks.

Design: –

There are a few characteristics of this block printing –

• Designs are incorporated which are traditional or contemporary designs.    
• Different shapes and designs are carved at bottom of the block.      
• Teak wood is used to make designs by skilled artisans·       
• Cloth is being dyed into solid colour or patterns are stamped with blocks dipped in dye·       
• Designs from different motifs.    
• Patterns from different temples, mosques, and monuments.      
• Old photographs are being used for ideas.
• Designs can range from Boots, small boots, or JAL-shaped designs.      
• Geometric designs are used Each design has a maximum of three colours and each colour is derived from a separate block.

Challenges: –

This craft goes under various challenges

• Lack of availability of flowing water·       
• Due to the scarcity of natural resources and the falling natural water level decreasing, one has to rely on man-made water resources.     
• Increase in cost of production.
• Natural colorants have been replaced by chemical dyes.
• Screen printing also poses danger to the art of printing·       
• Younger generation face left this art to pursue attractive career options. 
• Now only 2- 3 families have chosen to follow it now.