The art of hand block printing typically hails from Rajasthan wherein cotton is dyed and printed with hand blocks to print a wide range of clothing materials including sarees, tents, salwar kameez, blouses, and so more. As block printing started being used in the major royal festivities and lifestyle in Rajasthan, the overall popularity of block prints and the art of printing soon got widespread.

Origin and History of Hand Block Printing in India

The art of designing block prints is closely linked to the origin of the fashion industry in India. The origin of the hand block printing technique dates back to as early as 3000 BC. The history of block printing reveals the use of the same as art to be followed by tradition by the Mesopotamia Civilization.

The images, as well as block prints that were being used in East India, were major style quotients –believed to have originated in China. The art of block printing is believed to have flourished in the era of the Maharajas in Rajasthan –somewhere around the medieval 12th century. Since its inception, the art of hand block printing has been deeply embedded in the fashion industry and is used for creating bespoke pieces of fine clothing and other fabrics.

Modern Day Scenario

The art of block printing has become a reality as it has been passed down through legacies to be pursued as a form of art as well as a profession across the country. In the modern era, there is a huge demand for clothing pieces with creative block prints on them. Nowadays, you can come across hand block printed salwar suits, hand block printed cotton sarees, and so more. Because of the huge demand, the fabrics with block printing are being exported to different parts of the world as well.

Sources of Inspiration

The designs consisting of block prints and patterns are visually appealing –there is no denying the fact. When the imprints are impressed on any fabric or clothing, it can help in adding an appeal to the given piece of clothing. As such, there is a huge demand for hand block print unstitched salwar suits and Chanderi hand block print sarees out there amongst Indian ladies.

Unlike the common design patterns like Phulkari and others, the art of hand block printing is known to take its cues from the conventional forms of Heena or Mehendi designs along with some other abstract designs. When you go for buying a Bagru print saree in block printing, you will come across common references of animals and queens amongst some of the highly sought-after design patterns.

A wide series of designs, as well as the creative skills of the designer, can help in creating a myriad of designer patterns –right from the simple circles and waves to highly intricate designs of animals and other elaborate designs. Some of the smaller design patterns referred to as “Buti,” “Buta,” “Chintz,” “Bel,” and others are known to form the major component of a block printing pattern.

Global Appeal

The art of hand block printing is known to fit the Indian as well as global fashion markets perfectly. Right form trendy tops to salwar suits, sarees, bed sheets, and other fabrics, you can come across beautiful block prints almost anywhere. The global appeal to the art of hand block printing can be attributed to the chic as well as the sophisticated appeal of this fashion statement.

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