Block printing has been synonymous with India throughout the centuries although it is thought to have originated from China. Scraps of fabric have been found in the Sindh region of Pakistan once part of the Indus Valley Civilization. From the 12thcentury it flourished under the patronage of Indian rulers as well as being highly regarded by Moghul Emperors and the East India Company. In an age of technology, it is reassuring to know that this skill set is still highly valued by fashion houses and interior designers worldwide.
The design is first carved into a teak wooden block and depending on the complexity of the design there may be up to 30 different blocks. One block per colour. Once carved the block is then soaked in oil for approximately two weeks for the wood to soften.
The printer will dip his block into the colour and worked left to right across the fabric, using his fist to stamp the block onto the fabric to create a clear impression, before moving the block on across the fabric. Slow and labour intensive.
Due to the hand printing process there will be slight variations, which we think adds to the beauty of this product.
