It’s almost inconceivable to think that a visionary, driven by a blend of creativity, nonconformist thinking, and a touch of serendipity, first took a wooden block, carved a design into it, adorned it with natural pigments, and imprinted it onto fabric purely for the love of beauty. Just like that, Block printing became an integral part of the Indian art and textile world and is home to thousands of karigas to earn their livelihood.

Initially developed to expedite the laborious process of hand painting, block printing has evolved into a seemingly simple yet intricate technique where both the maker of the blocks and the printer play crucial roles. While it is believed that block-printing designs on fabric began in China about 5000 years ago, the Indian subcontinent has always been on the top in terms of creating and exporting block-printed fabrics. Their expertise with naturally occurring plant dyes and metallic salts helped them in creating and printing beautiful motifs in stunning shades. Designs are meticulously etched onto wooden or metal blocks, which are then used to transfer elaborate patterns onto fabric or paper, ranging from symmetrical to abstract forms. In some elaborate styles, this process can involve up to 30 detailed steps, with factors like climate, water, and even mud impacting the final results. As noted by Laila Tyabji in the influential art and culture publication, Tradition must be a springboard, not a cage.” This philosophy is especially relevant in India, where the richness of living textile traditions presents a unique opportunity. It is our responsibility to preserve these traditions and adapt them for future generations, finding innovative ways to make them accessible and relevant, thereby breathing new life into this vast repository of historical artistry and knowledge. The art of block printing has stood the test of time and till date holds a great contribution to the art and textile industry. It is not only bread and butter to the artisans but numerous designers depend on this technique. It is an ode to tradition and a celebration of Indian craftsmanship.

At ND, we believe in merging traditions with modernity to constantly create something new while cherishing our roots for generations to come. Block printing is a prime example of this philosophy, serving as a timeless reminder of our artistry and heritage.