Block printing is a very traditional method
of printing. Different wooden block are prepared with different
designs to print on fabrics by using eco-friendly dyes, which
creates an ultimate demand in domestic and international market.
Printing is done either by the direct method or by the resist-printing
process. Special embossed effects are obtained by khari printing
in which gold or silver powder is mixed with various other
ingredients and painted directly on to the cloth.
Jodhpur and Pali specialize in bold patterns-
Pipad, carefully designed and painted in red, black, blue
and green. Bhilwara and Ahar produce patterns composed of
dots popularly known as chunri patterns. The basic colour
are maroon and black. Dabu is the lacal name for the resist
print process in which mud, resist paste is applied by hand,
using wooden block to seal the fabric form the effect of future
treatment. This type of printing is done at Bagru, Baotra
and Akola. Jaisalmer has a special style of resist-print done
only in winter and that too at night, as it needs very low
temperature.
