From clothes to gift-wrapping paper, bags to cushion covers, block prints can be found everywhere!The art of block printing dates back ages; it has travelled through time and evolved to gather a global appeal. This article will give you a quick glimpse of the beautiful art of block printing-where it originated, the printmaking process with its different techniques and its influence on present day fashion.
History & Origins
Block printing is a traditional and popular form of printmaking art in India. Simply put, it is done to color or dye fabric with the help of wooden blocks (metal blocks are also used sometimes). Though mostly done on fabrics, block prints are sometimes done on paper and other materials as well. The art of block printing dates back many centuries and is said to have originated in China (around early 3rd century). Around the 12th century, is when block printing began to flourish in India.The art of block printing has come a long way since its inception and is quite popular across the globe today.
Wooden Blocks Being Carved
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The Printing Process
The process of block printing is simple yet intricate in nature and is mostly done by hand (hence sometimes known as hand block printing). Wooden blocks are used on which the design is first drawn using a sharp tool and then hand carved. The carved wooden blocks are then soaked in oil for a period of 15 days or less (this helps soften the wood). Once ready, the blocks are dipped in the desired color dye and impressions are made on the fabric (that is stretched and laid out on a table).
Block Printing in Process
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Different Printing Techniques
Apart from this basic process, there are three different techniques for block printing: Direct Printing, Resist Printing and Discharge Printing. These techniques follow the same basic process with subtle variations in the base cloth that needs to be printed on. For direct printing, the cloth is first bleached then dyed to the necessary color and then printed (first with the outline blocks, then with the color filling blocks). In resist printing, parts of the cloth that are not to be dyed are covered with clay and resin. The cloth is then dyed and washed allowing some of the color to spill over the protected clay-resin covered cloth parts. It is then hand printed with blocks. In the last method of discharge printing, the fabric is first dyed and then the dye is removed from some parts where the prints need to be created.
Block Printed Sari from The Loom
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Block Printing Today
Block printing is an eco-friendly technique, because of the use of only natural color dyes and no machinery. Block printed fabrics are a big part of the local handloom as well as export industry of India. Some of the major states that are known for their block prints include: Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Apart from India, block prints have grown to gather a global appeal, because of their innovative and traditional designs. Block Prints come in a variety of designs from the commonly seen intricatefloral to simple geometric motifs. Being extremely versatile and easy to implement on just about any surface, block prints are not limited to garments these days, but are also seen on paper, home décor items, tapestry and much more. Also as block prints can be easily customized to create a unique design, they are a popular choice amongst leading designers across India.
Block Printed Fabric Shoes from The Loom
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Style Tip: Floral motif block prints with intricate detailing are readily available in different garment styles and are easy to wear. A lot of block printed garments come in cotton fabric and so, in combination with floral prints makes them a good choice to wear during the summer.
Block Printed Dress with Jacket from The Loom
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On a last note, block printed garments or other block printed products are great to own (or gift) as they are unique, low maintenance, give an earthy-ethnic feel, and are very visually pleasing.
Block Printed Kurta and Pants from The Loom
(Image Source : www.theloom.in )
-Arzoo B. Dhanda
1 comment
NICE DESIGN &THEORY….