In times when machines hum tirelessly and produce mass digital prints one on top of another, block prints stand as a quiet and stubborn rebel. Block printing is a centuries-old craft that insists beauty should be touched, felt, and absorbed slowly.
Block printing is one of the oldest and most cherished art forms of textile decoration in the world. It is rooted in tradition yet adaptable to modern sensibility. It combines artistry, patience, and craftsmanship in a way only a few other crafts can. From ancient marketplaces to high-fashion runways, this art form has not only survived centuries but also continues to inspire new trends.
Every textile printed with block carvings tells a story that is written in colours, carved in wood, and pressed by patient hands, only a piece of cloth.
From Ancient Echoes to Modern Day Dressing
The origins of block printing go back over 2,000 years. The earliest known examples of block printing emerge from China in the 3rd century BCE. But block printing found its soul in India. Rajasthan and Gujarat became the hubs of this craft. Each region developed its signature styles. From sun-kissed floral design patterns of Sanganer to the deep indigo mysteries of Ajrakh, block printing has bloomed beautifully in different regions of India.
Today block block-printed fabric is a part of everyday life in contemporary India. For those who cherish it and understand its true value, it is more than just fashion. It is a symbol of love and pride for a craft that is resilient and capable of evolving with time.
Folklore of printers who lived & dreamt craft
Folklores about block printing tell us of master printers who could carve a block so fine that its lines were thinner than a strand of hair, yet bold enough to withstand the test of time. Some believe that the masters dreamt of the patterns in their dreams as a gift from the Gods. While others believe that the motifs were inspired by the changing moods of the climate, topography, and traditions.
In the village markets, one could spot different fabrics meant for different occasions. Cotton printed in red and gold for weddings, deep blue for devotional practices, and earthy tones of browns/beiges for everyday wear. What a person wore wasn’t a coincidence; it was an identity, a silent statement.
The Magic that creates Magic
Block printing begins with a seasoned craftsman. This craftsman spends days and sometimes even months chiseling a block of Teak or Sheesham wood. This block of wood, when ready, isn’t merely a tool; it is an art piece in itself.
The printer dips this block of wood into dye and, with immense precision, places it onto the fabric. He stamps the fabric with this block. It is a rhythmic movement. Dip, align, press, lift, and repeat. This process is done over and over till the fabric is covered in a seamless print. The result is a beautifully printed fabric with minor irregularities because of human involvement at every stage. This high involvement of humans is what makes this a special craft form.
Block Prints in the Age of Fast Fashion
Block print has continued to be an indispensable part of the fashion industry. In times when crafts have struggled to stand against fast fashion, block printing has continued to be a slow, deliberate, and sustainable craft form.
From comfortable and airy bohemian kaftans to runway gowns, block prints have travelled across continents and cultures. From daily comfort-wear to exclusive wear, from cotton to silk, from bags to shoes and hair accessories, the soul of the block print remains ancient.
Timelessness behind the never-fading magic
Block printing is not just about decorating the fabric. It is connecting the dots between yesterday and today, and it is also paving a way into what the beautiful future holds. It carries the thumbprints of the artisans long gone, and hopes of the new generations learning the craft.
A garment adorned with block print is not just fashion-friendly, it is a slice of history, a whisper of folklore, and a promise that some forms of beauty can only be made by hand. Which is why at Rachnaa, we believe that this timeless elegance deserves so much more than a glance.
With Seher, we have attempted to marry this age-old craft with comfortable light-weight Mul Chanderi garments designed to make heads turn while being rooted in traditional know-how. Each piece in this collection is unique, playful, and full of hand-crafted surprises.
Check out the full collection here: https://rachnaa.co.in/product-category/seher/
