Dufa Journal

From Rajasthan's well known Dabu print to Shibori, Dufa gives you a selection of the much-cherished art of printing. Tie-Dye and Block printing are some of the most seasoned techniques in history and the most mind-blowing art forms known in India. Moreover, every locale of India has created different techniques and variations for block and dyeing textiles.

Shibori

Shibori is a strategy that ensnares tying, assembling or bending a piece of material with a specific goal in mind before it is coloured. This makes an interesting example that results from allowing the shades to infiltrate specific segments of the texture. It's an extremely antiquated strategy, requesting an undisputable degree of information, ability, and time. It is likewise certain that whenever done in the right way, the result is incredibly wonderful.                                                              

Batik

Batik is a traditional craftsmanship that utilises wax and colours to create a visual sorcery of textures. Batik is created in parts of Gujarat, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Prominently recognized by little specks, this art holds an extraordinary spot in the hearts of Indian craftsmen too, who for a very long time have been creating textiles and garments using this art.

 Sanganeri

Sanganeri prints date back to over 500 years and had gained immense popularity during the 16th-17th century. The characteristic trait of this technique is that it uses a pure white base fabric on which delicate and detailed floral trellis patterns are printed. The details and intricacy of the foliage prints called ‘buttas’ are inspired by vibrant and vivid flowers such as roses, lotuses, sunflowers, lilies and marigolds. The artisans of Sanganer employ a special technique called 'calico printing' where the outlines are first printed, then filled in and repeated in diagonal sections. The finer lines and subdued colours make it remarkable and revered.         

Bandhani

The word Bandhani literally translates to "tye", which is indicative of how this delicate splash of print is achieved. Bandhani is a type of tie-dye textile which is created by tightly tying the cloth into several small knots with sealed thread, followed by dyeing it. This intricate process of weaving and dyeing leads to the tiny dot-like or line patterns spotted in Bandhani print. Bandhani is widely touted to be one of the oldest forms of tie-dye techniques, brought to Indian prominence first by the Khatri community of Gujarat.         

Kalamkari

Kalamkari originated in the state of Andhra Pradesh , and it depicts India in all its past glory. In earlier days, singers, poets and scholars used to paint accounts of stories from Hindu mythology which slowly led to the generation of kalamkari prints. This form has been practised by families and generations over the ages. After stiffening and drying the cloth, it is printed in different phases according to the colour scheme. Wax is used while dyeing and the remaining areas are hand painted. A bamboo stick with a bundle of fine hair is used as a brush while painting. Ramayana, Mahabharata are used as primary themes.

Ajrak

Ajrak is a kind of block print from the western states in India where the designs are made using block printing by stamps. This form originated in the ancient Mohenjo-Daro civilisation. Woodblock printing gives rise to geometric shapes and patterns. Vegetable dyes and other natural dyes are used for the process, and this art is a symbol of the area’s culture and heritage.

Bagh

Bagh is a printing technique said to have originated after the Khatri population decided to settle near the Bagh River. The designs have been inspired by paintings of the Taj Mahal, flowers, mushrooms and others. The technique includes the use of geometric designs and bright colours, and the chemical properties of the river are used to the maximum benefit to obtain the most unique shades. The fabric after removal of starch is made to undergo what is known as the “bhatti process” which includes boiling, drying and later printing.

Dabu

Dabu printing originated in China which eventually became popular in Rajasthan. The prints look similar to batik, though this is a very complicated process as it involves phases of washing, hand printing, use of mud resist and drying. Plants, flowers and different motifs are core components of this kind of block printing.

Leheriya

Leheriya is a very simple yet classic dyeing technique popular in Rajasthan. It results in striped textiles in bright colours. Cotton or silk fabrics are used for resist dyeing. The art is called Leheriya because of the striped or wave patterns formed with dyeing.

Wondering where you can get your hands on some of these traditional block prints and tie-dye clothes and accessories? Look no further, Dufa has some great stores offering you some exceptional collections:

Amar Kosa:  Shop their Shibori collection. From totes to dresses to skirts, their handcrafted creations are a must have!

Rustic Blends: This store presents a unique collection of batik and block print products such as accessories, apparels, stationery and home linen. The products are hand-crafted from traditional Indian fabrics (mainly handlooms and other natural and eco-friendly materials).

Organic Symmetry: Organic Symmetry presents a collection of subtle and stunning handcrafted scarves, sarongs, sarees and home linens that are inspired by the love for natural geometry and the quintessential tie and dye techniques.

About the Author:

Pallavi Dubey is a Content writer and blogger. She also works at Newstrail. Follow her on Instagram