What is block printing?
Block printing is an ancient art form that uses hand-carved wooden blocks to imprint designs onto fabric or paper.
The History of Block Printing
The history of block print is woven through the tapestry of many different cultures, from ancient Egypt to Rome, however, most historians point to China as the origin of this art. The first and oldest evidence of block printing dates back to May 11th of the year 868, when the “Diamond Sutra” was printed in Dunhuang, China. This sixteen foot long scroll is not only an important Buddhist text, but it also happens to be the oldest printed book in human existence.
The art of block printing is thought to have spread from China to other parts of Asia, resulting in such international art forms as Tibetan prayer flags, Indonesian batik fabrics, and the world renowned Indian block print textiles that we carry at Mexicali Blues.
The Process of Indian Block Printing
Jaipur, the “Island of Glory,” is renowned for its beautiful block print textiles, a tradition preserved through generations in the heart of Rajasthan. This centuries-old craft, done entirely by hand from start to finish, supports families and communities across the region while drawing global admiration in the fashion world. Mexicali owners Pete and Kim have had the privilege of visiting the fields, workshops, and communities where these fabrics are lovingly crafted, meeting the artisans, farmers, and designers who keep this tradition alive. From seed to tapestry, our Indian block print textiles celebrate the organic beauty of true craftsmanship.
Step One: Indian Cotton
First, cotton is grown, picked, and processed, then woven or loomed into long bolts of fabric. It is then soaked, boiled, beat with sticks, and hung to dry on large bamboo racks. This hands-on process naturally shrinks and purifies the cotton, not to mention employing countless farmers, pickers, loomers, weavers, and laborers.
(cotton hanging to dry in the sun)
Step Two: Wooden Blocks
Next, a piece of hardwood, usually teak, sheesham, or mango, is carved into a wooden block. Artisans dedicate their entire lives to this practice, and their art as well as the art of their ancestors surrounds them, immortalized in the wooden blocks and the fabrics that they dye.
(wooden blocks used in block printing)
Step Three: Plant Based Dyes
The next step takes place in a studio where artists boil and mix plant-based dyes, with tree sap, and metallic salts called mordants that help the color adhere to the fabric. The wooden block is then dipped into this colorful concoction and hand stamped onto the fabric. Designs can be overlaid to create different patterns and color combinations, the possibilities are literally endless. The fabric is then hung to dry in the sun to set the colors into the cotton.
Some colors change with sun exposure, for example the dye that makes our bright blue colors comes from a pink berry. After drying in the sun it changes to a blue hue, and the colors of the finished product vary depending on the weather. The result is a one of a kind textile that celebrates the tradition and culture of Rajasthan.
(powdered dyes used to make block print)
