Block Printing - Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Gujarat is a state situated in the western part of India. It is sometimes referred to as the jewel of western India. The capital city is Gandhinagar while the largest city is Ahmedabad. It is dwelling place for the Gujarati- speaking people of India. The place is enriched with numerous handicrafts and is blessed with vibrant tradition. It stands out differing in its designs to the components of delightful attractive artifacts in various art forms and gives a mixed combination of aesthetical charm. There are various handicrafts like Needlework, Tie and Dye – Bandhani, Bead Work, Patola, Jewelry, Furnishings, Pottery, Woodwork, Zari and many more, among which is block printing that is often witnessed and is continued from centuries. The earliest known examples of block print are said to have come from China over 2000 years ago. From there, it spread to India. It was commonly used in Asia and later was replaced with modern enhancements in printmaking.
Block Printing is one of the oldest types of printmaking and has been throughout for thousands of years. There is an indication that it occurred as early as the fifth century BC, with actual remains found from as early as the fifteenth century. It has been done around the world, with roots in India, China, and Japan. There are many different methods but it is basically done using a carved material covered in ink to transfer an image on the paper or fabric. There can be many materials used for block printing, like that of wood, linoleum, rubber, or such other material. The prints that are mostly seen in Gujarat, are printed from that of a wooden block. The block is cut along the grain of the wood. To attain a suitable print, the most important thing to remember is that to ink the block and bring it into immovable state and keep evenly contact with the fabric. The fabric is spread along the table and pinned at the corners making it firm to be able to print appropriately. Block printing is also recognized as "relief printing" as the ink leaves an eminent texture on the paper. This is different than letterpress where the copy is applied with sufficient pressure to leave a mark on the paper. Typically block printing is done by hand, so the ink sits on the surface adding a raised texture to the fabric. The complexity of the design is striking and accuracy to transform it into a block is remarkable. Meters of cloth is being printed with the help of block that is carved with a creative design.
