The process of Hand Block printing is slow and labour intensive. 13 different processes are involved and each one is carried out by hand. Today in a world where nearly everything we buy is mass produced and machine-made, it’s difficult to imagine a time when garments were only sewn and printed by hand. In India, there is a commitment to keeping the centuries old tradition alive, with a deliberate
focus on passing the skill down through the generations. It has become a cultural cornerstone and is an art form which involves whole communities and the skills of both men and women. There is an insistence on Fair Trade ethics and standards, ensuring good wages, better living conditions and consistent work to the villagers in remote locations. Although the technique has evolved over centuries, the original methods remain intact and each piece of fabric has its own human touch and story. There are only three widely-used techniques of block printing in India—direct printing, resist printing and discharge printing. Direct printing sees the fabric bleached first, then dyed and finally printed using carved blocks (first the outline blocks, and then to blocks to fill in colour). Resist printing requires some areas of the fabric to be protected from the dye, which are shielded with the use of clay and resin. The dyed fabric is then washed, but the dye spreads through the protected areas, causing a rippled effect. Next, further use of blocks add desired designs. The last technique of discharge printing, on the other hand, sees the use of chemicals to remove portions from dyed fabric which are then filled in with different colours.
“In an era when everything is dominated by machineries and mass production is widespread, here is an eco-friendly technique crafted with hand. Its adaptation in modern silhouettes promotes the revival of the art form,” Mr.Harsh explains. Creating a contemporary aesthetic is a common goal. “Silhouettes like trench coats, wraparound skirts, crop tops and saris with peplum jackets come with modern abstract prints in a colour palette of white and blue. We have also incorporated the use of natural organic dyes, colours and eco-friendly techniques,” says Riddhi. The amount of time and care taken by the master craftsmen makes each product not only special, but also a coveted collectible for years to come,”. However, hand block print fabrics have another special quality that few other designs can replicate. The technique has evolved over centuries, but most of the original methods remain intact, and each hand block print fabric has its own unique story.
