Sanganer is a small town located around 16 km from Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, India. The town is known for its rich history of block printing, which has been practiced for centuries.
Block printing is a traditional technique of printing patterns onto fabric using carved wooden blocks. The process involves creating a design on a wooden block, inking it with dye or pigment, and then pressing it onto the fabric. The process is repeated with different blocks, colors, and patterns until the desired design is achieved.
The history of block printing in Sanganer can be traced back to the 16th century when the Mughal emperors ruled India. During this period, Sanganer was a prominent center for textile production, particularly for hand-block printed cotton fabrics. The town was famous for its high-quality textiles, which were exported to other parts of India and the world.
Over time, block printing in Sanganer evolved and became an integral part of the town’s cultural heritage. The technique was passed down through generations of artisans, who developed unique styles and techniques. Today, Sanganer is renowned for its vibrant and intricate block-printed textiles.
Block printing in Sanganer is characterized by its use of natural colors and intricate designs. The prints created in Sanganer are often inspired by nature, such as flowers, leaves, and animals. Other popular motifs include geometric shapes, paisleys, and mandalas. The colors used in block printing are derived from natural sources, such as plants, minerals, and insects. Indigo, madder root, and turmeric are some of the most commonly used dyes.
The process of block printing in Sanganer is labor-intensive and requires skilled artisans. The artisans who practice this art are known as chhipa printers. They begin by preparing the fabric, which is usually made of cotton or silk. The fabric is washed and treated with a mixture of clay and resin, which helps to fix the dye and prevent bleeding. The fabric is then dyed in a base color and left to dry.
Once the fabric is dry, the printer creates a design on a wooden block. The design is carved by hand using chisels and knives. The block is then inked with dye or pigment and pressed onto the fabric. The process is repeated with different blocks and colors until the design is complete.
The unique style of block printing in Sanganer is attributed to the use of natural colors and the technique of ‘dabu’ printing. Dabu printing involves creating a resist pattern on the fabric using a mixture of mud, gum, and lime. The resist pattern prevents the dye from penetrating the fabric, creating a white design on a colored background. Once the fabric is dyed and dried, the resist paste is washed off, revealing the white pattern. Dabu printing is a time-consuming and intricate process that requires a high level of skill.
Block printing in Sanganer is more than just a textile tradition; it is also an important cultural heritage. The art form has been passed down through generations of artisans and is deeply rooted in the region’s history and identity. The vibrant colors and intricate designs of Sanganer’s block-printed textiles are a testament to the skill and creativity of its artisans.
In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in block printing in Sanganer, both in India and around the world. This has led to the establishment of several small-scale businesses that employ local artisans and promote sustainable practices. Many of these businesses use natural dyes and organic cotton, and they are committed to preserving the traditional techniques of block printing.
Want to learn more? Join Lila Travel India’s Textile Tour of Rajasthan to get a rich insight into the traditional art of Block Printing.
Culture Culinary Craft Tour of Rajasthan India – Experience India’s textile heritage on immersive tours by Lila Travel India – Led by Delhi Native based in Seattle USA – https://lilatravelindia.com/culture-culinary-textile-tour-of-rajasthan/
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