Textile Printing/ Design

Hand Block Printing of Barmer, Rajasthan   

Barmer, is famous for it hand block print. The prints are inspired from the Sind region. Various items that are made in Barmer are turbans, sarees and traditonally worn lungis, Head gear and shoulder cloth made are worn by Sindhi Muslims. The designs in Barmer are bold, the popular one being the chirkala booti which is a flaming red chilli having a blue-black outline surrounded by flower-laden trees.

Arts & Crafts

Hand Block Printing of Jaipur, Rajasthan   

Most of the Block Printing is done in Sanganer and bagru. Kalamkari Prints and floral motifs with pastel colors are done on the fabric. In kalamkari print normally four to five colors are used. jaipur not being the biggest centre for hand block print is a trading centre for the craft and you can find local shops in Bapu Bazar Nehru bazar and Johari Bazar all selling various hand block printed items.

Arts & Crafts

Hand Block Printing of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan   

In the border town of Jaisalmer a kind of resist printing requiring very low temperatures is done. This can thus be processed only during the night and in winter. The resist used is wax, and the blocks have special raised surfaces so that the deep grooves are dipped well into wax. The wax is then washed off in hot or flowing water and the applied diffuses into the area. The main colour used is dark red, from which varying tones are obtained. A local ritual sari called the jarribhat is printed here.

Arts & Crafts

Hand Block Printing of Nagaur, Rajasthan   

The main tribal group here and at Kishangarh are the Banjaras. Costumes are printed here along with jajams and spreads. The spreads are usually in red and yellow, with the design motifs being scorpions, centipedes or chaupars. Red and yellow are also used for jajams. The prints on these include the chowki, singhara or mirchi (chilli) designs with motifs of creepers, kanwal or ladders along the borders.

Arts & Crafts

Hand Block Printing of Sanganer, Rajasthan   

Sanganer, near Jaipur, is famous for its fine hand block printing in subdued colors. Hand block printing was patronised by the royal family. Sceen printing is also largely done here. Saganer has become a export hub for hand block print export. The Sanganeri Print is visible from small flower motifs like stylised sunflowers, narcissuses, roses, and other flowers of luxuriant foliage like daturas, rudrakshas, and arkas.

Arts & Crafts

Hand Block Printing of Udaipur, Rajasthan   

Udaipur and Nathdwara, the temple city here the designs are mostly relegios in nature. These designs are linked with Srinathji, Lord Krishna. Block Printing here is a part of Pichwai, a traditional painting. Special blocks are also made using sandal wood which leave a perfume on to the cloth as well. The block prints are also done on saris, wraps, and quilt covers. The main technique involves placing the block directly on the fabric for the design-transfer to be made.

Arts & Crafts

Kalamkari of Sickinaikkenpet, Tamil Nadu

Kalamkari hand painting is done with a stick which is wound with thread that has been dished in dye.. Kalamkari paintings shape temple hangings, doorframes panels, and tubular hangings (thombais) with scenes from the great epics. The temple hangings are called vasamalai. The technique used to paint them is similar to that at Sri Kalahasti but the characterisation is religious rather than folk.

Arts & Crafts