India is one of the most significant producers and exporters of block-printed clothing worldwide. The oldest form of dying is hand block printing, in which artisans utilize metal or wooden blocks to generate prints that are also referred to as “Chappa.” In India today, this technology is renowned for providing the best hand block printing services.
Rajasthan is considered to be India’s regal pride, and Jaipur, the state’s capital and “land of conquerors,” is where many beautiful traditional arts and crafts may be found. India is a country with both cold and chilly winters and pleasant and sunny summers. Both are harsh situations in Rajasthan.
Through the use of the name Jaipuri Razai or Jaipuri Quilts, I expressed my feelings. The term “Jaipuri Razai” is made up of the words “Jaipuri,” which means “belonging to Jaipur,” and “Razai,” which means “quilts” in Hindi. These quilts are handcrafted by Jaipur’s local artisans using the screen- and block-printing techniques. Jaipuri Razai, also known as “Jaipuri Razai 100gms,” is renowned around the world for its coziness and warmth. As Rajasthan is renowned for its tradition and culture, it is blessed with a range of communities that have been engaged in various forms of art and craft for centuries. The Chhipa community, among others in Rajasthan, is one of the most well-known. Block printing has been practiced by locals for many years. Even contemporary woven fabrics are unable to thwart the success of these artisans because of their level of ability. Although it reduced the demand for vintage hand-printed fabrics, artisans quickly altered the style. Emboldened by the success of their work, artists started printing with blocks on western clothing such as skirts, shirts, and tops. It aids in maintaining this antiquated hand-made technology.
It pretty much describes how it feels, but let’s dissect it. Indian artisans have been practicing hand block printing for centuries. They use hand-carved wooden blocks to imprint designs on a variety of domestic textiles, including cotton and silk. (Not as simple as writing it down; we’ll deconstruct it later.) A little background on the history of this craft will help you understand that hand block printing has been practiced in Rajasthan for close to 400 years (yes, it is a form that has been used for 4 centuries and is still used now). The Chhipa community, who was known to reside in Bagru village, gifted hand block printing to Jaipur. Then, Sanganer (south of Jaipur) and some areas of Jodhpur completely embraced their method.
The procedure of printing the material involves 4 steps.
Designing is the first and consequently the most important process when creating a significant sanganeri print. Carving: On the wooden blocks, patterns are traced. Finalizing the colors, then combining the colours with dyes to create different shades, is another creative process that can be lovely and enticing. The appealing colours that we see on the prints are the result of a skillful blending of colour binder, dye, fixer, and water. Finally, printing the fabric is completed on tables that range in length from 5 to 10 meters, with 4 layers of material underneath the specific printing cloth that absorbs the additional colour.
There are numerous different types of printing, including rubber, machinery, hand block printing, and screen printing. There are numerous colour options available in hand block printing, including PIGMENT PRINT, RAPID (fast colour) PRINT, DISCHARGE PRINT, or DAABU, AJRAKH, and BAGRU PRINT.
By – Faizan Mansoori
Jaipuria Talks Blog 