Block Printing

Dabu Printing Ajrak printing Khadi printing Warak printing

Region: Rajasthan
Sanganer, Bagru, Balotra, Jodhpur,Akola

Dabu Printing
Region: Bagru

Block Carving
Main Centers: Pethapur, Delhi, Farroukhabad, Agra, Pilakhua

Types of Block
Rekh, Gad and Datta are three types of block that are distinguishable by their different styles of carving. The gad is carved in intaglio and is employed to print large background figures. Datta are carved in relief.

 Rekh block are used to mark the outlines of the motifs.

 Gad blocks are used for filling-in.

Data blocks are used for application of mud resist

Printing Paste with mordants

Syahi Paste- is prepared with iron filings Ghoda Khurtal and Jaggery (Molasses) fermented for 10-12days. Iron liquor + Clay (multani mitti) + Gum.

Begar Paste - prepared with fitkari or alum ,gum and geru (red Ochre) as in indicator red color.
Wheat flour is some times added to increase viscosity.

Resist Paste - Dabu

Different types of dabu solution are used Kalidar dabu- is most commonly used and is made with kali mitti (clay)+ chuna (lime)+bidhan (wheat flour) + gaund (gum). It is least adhesive. Dolidar dabu- Wheat Flour + Lime + Gum. Gawarbali dabu- is produced with roasted seed of Gwarnbuti (a cacti plant which exudes out sticky juice) + Lime + Kali Mitti. It has maximum adhesive quality.

Process for Printing

Telkhar Emulsion- Dipping in a solution of Castor oil and river
residue(Khar). To remove the impurities from the fabric.

Pila Karna Solution- Treatment with Myrobolan Printing with Syahi paste- wherever black colour is desired Printing with Begar paste- wherever red colour is desired Alizarine dyeing and washing Dabu application- to cover the motifs from dyeing Indigo Dyeing in vat Washing and tapai

Equipment required for printing Pathia- low printing tables are covered with layers of felt fabric to
pad it.

Tari- rectangular wooden receptacle or tray Chipri- a spliced bamboo mesh Kambal ki gaddi- a thick felt fabric to be used as sponges Malmal- fine fabric to print with fine blocks.

Design Repertoire for Dabu and Sanganer printing

Motifs are inspired from 17th C Mughal motifs Buta Surajmukhi , chakri, genda, anguthi etc. Trellis patterns- jalli, bel Entwined tendrils-Jaal Figurative- camel, horse, dancing females etc Geometric- chaupar, chatai, kangura, leher etc