Handicrafts India

Block printing is the art of creating magic with colors and wooden blocks on various types of fabrics. The printing of materials in India has been famous since 12th century. Initially, cotton was the fabric used for printing in almost every part of India and a pen was used to making designs. Later on, in the medieval times, wooden blocks came to the limelight. It became quite popular in Rajasthan and Gujarat. From there on, this art flourished to other parts of the country. In fact, it has that aura of magical style, which could spellbind anyone.

The process of block printing is carried out with the help of Buntas (Wooden blocks of different sizes). It is the lower side of the block that has the various designs carved on them. Firstly, the new blocks with holes for the passage of extra pressure or color is soaked in oil. This makes the rough grains present on the block to soften. Then, the fabric is washed properly to remove starch. In case of requirement to tie and dye the cloth, it is done before printing.

Further, the cloth is washed thoroughly to remove excess dye, stretched over printing table and fastened with the small pins in the end to avoid cripples. And finally, the blocks are dipped in color and stamped hard on the fabric to create perfect impression. This makes the art of block printing essentially authentically beautiful. In printing the cloth, chemical colors and even vegetable dyes are used. It lends naturalness to the cloth pieces.