Hand Prints of India

In India, there are many different techniques of hand printing prevalent since ancient times. While some prints are stamped by hand using wooden blocks carved with patterns, others are done using the tie and dye technique and many others use the resist dye technique, the options are innumerable. The one common feature across all authentic and traditional hand printed silk sarees is that they use 100% natural colors and dyes. Some of the most popular prints that have found much ado and appreciated the world over are:

Block Printing:

Block printing known to have originated in China towards early 3rd century had its presence felt in Egypt and some Asian countries around the 4th century, from where it spread to Europe and other places. In hand block printing, the design is first drawn on wood using a sharp needle and then the desired design is carved using the chisel, hammer, file, nails etc. The printing involves laying the cloth/fabric, which is to be printed, on flat tables and impressions are made using the beautifully carved blocks. In case of direct printing, the block is dipped in the colored dye and impressions are made. In case of resist dyeing, impression of an impermeable material (clay, resin, wax etc) is made on the fabric which is then dyed in the desired shade. The block image remains unprinted and reappears in reverse. Natural and vegetable sources are used for dyes.

Some of the popular block prints are:

Bagru Print: Bagru is done by printing dark or coloured motifs on a cream or dyed background. This process involves the use of natural mordants like harda and alum to capture the natural colours that are printed on the fabric using the pattern blocks. The process of block printing is not only painstakingly laborious but anciently beautiful. The technique has been perfected by the people of Rajasthan over more than 1,000 years.

Dabu Print: The Resist Process called Dabu involves using wax or gum clay mixed with resin with the help of brush, block or hand that is then applied to the portions of the cloth and the color is then applied to it. The wax is then washed off in hot or flowing water. Block printing is done on the portion of the cloth where the original colour is retained. The fabric is highlighted by printing specific outlines and patterns against the contrast colour.

Batik Print: Batik is yet another popular print motif that has its origins in South East Asia. Similar to Dabu print, Batik print involves the process of dyeing fabric by making use of a resist technique, covering patches of fabric with dye-resistant substance to prevent them from absorbing colors. Nature inspired motifs like flowers & animals are a feature of Batik prints.

Ajrakh Print: Mostly found on shawls and carpets, Ajrakh is a unique form of block print that is popular in Sindh, Pakistan; Kutch, Gujarat and Rajasthan . These prints include designs and patterns made using block printing by stamps. Common colours used include blue, red, black, yellow and green but the color palate is wider in current times considering changing trends. Ajrakh printing uses natural dyes including vegetable dyes and mineral dyes, with Indigo being the key dye.

Some of the other popular hand prints are:

Bandhani:One of the most famous textile patterns of India, Bandhani is a centuries old tradition of Gujarat. An art that involves highly skilled process, the textile is decorated by plucking the cloth with the fingernails into many tiny bindings called dockets that form a figurative design. It features patterns like dots, stripes, waves or squares formed by first tying small portions of the fabric at intervals with continuous thread to form interesting patterns, and then dyeing it. Bandhani work in India was started by the Muslim Khatri Community of Kutch and since then the tradition has been passed on from one generation to the other.

Kalamkari: An ancient art that came into being when artists began illustrating stories as opposed to narrating them, visually arresting Kalamkari prints are known for the complexity of designs and usage of natural as well as organic dyes. Originated about 3000 years ago, it derives its name from Kalam meaning Pen, and Kari meaning work, literally meaning Pen-work. There are three styles of Kalamkari paintings of which  Masulipatnam Kalamkari is influenced by Persian motifs & designs and is done using hand carved blocks.

Image Courtesy:

http://bit.ly/2tUSC0v

http://bit.ly/2sPMK3j

http://bit.ly/2tLZkFD

http://bit.ly/2sQ4CLn

http://bit.ly/2st5hDb

http://bit.ly/2tPtszg

http://bit.ly/2tM60n2

http://bit.ly/2utD3cO

http://bit.ly/2sPQWjF

http://bit.ly/2tLZkFD