Block Prints of Bagh
Blocks are the main source of printing and have highly stylized motifs evolved over hundreds of years. These were earlier made of clay. Now these are being done in metal and wood ('sagavan' and 'shisham') that are sourced from Indore and other places nearby. Wood is first cut to make a block and one of its sides it smoothened. It is then painted white and the design is engraved and carved. Holes are drilled upto two centimeters on the sides of the block to avoid air bubbles. This also ensures that the block doesn't stick to the fabric because of vacuum during printing. Handles are made for easy grip. Blocks are of two types: Rek and Gad. Gad is a 'filled block' and is used for printing the base of the pattern. Rek is used for intricate prints that are done inside the spaces left blank by the Gad block.
The only block maker of this region, Mr. DilipChauhan, learnt the craft from a master craftsman in Pethapur in Gujarat for two years and came back to Bagh to work on his own. He has made over five hundred pieces already in the last five years of his practice. He makes all type of designs in varying sizes and intricacy. That is what determines the price of the block. Each piece is made to order. The printing units provide him with samples of patterns that need to be carved out and then Mr. Chauhan does magic with his small tools that he has made himself by hand. Each block takes two to five days to be made with eight hours of work put in daily.
