It is no surprise to note that the heritage-rich Indian handlooms are renowned worldwide for its exquisite work and lustrous fabric. Serving since age-old times, these ethnic crafts have provided the world with some of the finest prints; surviving the tide against globalization with the aid of devoted craftsmen who have practiced and perfected the craft. Their ingenious methods often involve elaborate and natural techniques that are particular to the region and the traditional Indian prints. Having already discussed some of the prominent prints earlier, in this article we look to another set of equally fascinating prints. Buy Designer Jewellery Online
Kalamkari
A navy-blue blouse made of Kalamkari fabric
Having its roots in Persian countries, the term Kalamkari interprets as ‘art of drawing with a pen’. Kalamkari fabric involves a hand painted or block printing technique, which in the latter case, involves the finer details and painting being done with pens. Looking back, kalamkari started in India when tale tellers or fabulist, musicians, and artists drew out the stories from Hindu mythology to illustrate the episode, be it Ramayana or Mahabharata. It uses natural colours and dyes made from natural extracts. In recent times, the art has expanded its themes to abstract artwork, Buddhism, floral and animal prints. The fine nature of the work with all its detailing and colours has earned rave reviews among many, making it worth of every penny spent.
Ajrakh Print
This exceptional form of block print technique, which is widespread in the regions of Sindh, Pakistan, Kutch, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, is derived from Arabic work called ‘Azrak’ – meaning blue. With indigo (blue) being one of the chief colours employed, the Ajrakh prints follow intricate patterns and motifs made by stamp printing. The other colours involve red, green, black, and yellow, which are, of course, made with natural dyes from vegetables and minerals. Ajrakh prints are fabricated extensively on shawls, rugs, and carpet. The blocks are pressed onto the fabric on a meticulous grid manner to ensure proper geometric progression.
Leheriya Print
Traditional Chikankari Work with Contrast Printed Lehenga Bottom & Leheriya Printed Dupatta
Leheriya print, which is quite a vogue these days in both Indian and global setup, follows a traditional tie and dye technique involving vividly bright colours. Practiced in Rajasthan, the word leheriya translates ‘wave-like’ that is synonymous with the complex wave-like patterns created on the fabric. The bright colours and characteristic striped pattern of the fabric make it stand out from the rest, thereby, attracting looks instinctively. Leheriya dyeing is done on silks, cotton and can be sported in ethnic skirts, sarees, and turbans.
Varak Gold or Silver Print
Tribal Maroon Chanderi Silk Dupatta with hand-block-printed pure silver using silver leaf or Varak
This traditional printing technique wasn’t quite common like the others even back in those times and involves fine expertise and craftsmanship to go about it. It is a delicate process of adorning fabrics with gold or silver varak/ leaf. The varaks, which are obtained by flattening silver or gold to its extreme limit, in order to achieve paper-thin thickness, are hand-printed onto the fabric. Originally featured on flags and in temple adornments as a symbol of power and elevated status, the varak printing, under a handful of fine craftsmen, is now replicated on Chanderi sarees and shawls. Buy Wedding Sarees Online
Kalamkari
A navy-blue blouse made of Kalamkari fabric
Having its roots in Persian countries, the term Kalamkari interprets as ‘art of drawing with a pen’. Kalamkari fabric involves a hand painted or block printing technique, which in the latter case, involves the finer details and painting being done with pens. Looking back, kalamkari started in India when tale tellers or fabulist, musicians, and artists drew out the stories from Hindu mythology to illustrate the episode, be it Ramayana or Mahabharata. It uses natural colours and dyes made from natural extracts. In recent times, the art has expanded its themes to abstract artwork, Buddhism, floral and animal prints. The fine nature of the work with all its detailing and colours has earned rave reviews among many, making it worth of every penny spent.
Ajrakh Print
This exceptional form of block print technique, which is widespread in the regions of Sindh, Pakistan, Kutch, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, is derived from Arabic work called ‘Azrak’ – meaning blue. With indigo (blue) being one of the chief colours employed, the Ajrakh prints follow intricate patterns and motifs made by stamp printing. The other colours involve red, green, black, and yellow, which are, of course, made with natural dyes from vegetables and minerals. Ajrakh prints are fabricated extensively on shawls, rugs, and carpet. The blocks are pressed onto the fabric on a meticulous grid manner to ensure proper geometric progression.
Leheriya Print
Traditional Chikankari Work with Contrast Printed Lehenga Bottom & Leheriya Printed Dupatta
Leheriya print, which is quite a vogue these days in both Indian and global setup, follows a traditional tie and dye technique involving vividly bright colours. Practiced in Rajasthan, the word leheriya translates ‘wave-like’ that is synonymous with the complex wave-like patterns created on the fabric. The bright colours and characteristic striped pattern of the fabric make it stand out from the rest, thereby, attracting looks instinctively. Leheriya dyeing is done on silks, cotton and can be sported in ethnic skirts, sarees, and turbans.
Varak Gold or Silver Print
Tribal Maroon Chanderi Silk Dupatta with hand-block-printed pure silver using silver leaf or Varak
This traditional printing technique wasn’t quite common like the others even back in those times and involves fine expertise and craftsmanship to go about it. It is a delicate process of adorning fabrics with gold or silver varak/ leaf. The varaks, which are obtained by flattening silver or gold to its extreme limit, in order to achieve paper-thin thickness, are hand-printed onto the fabric. Originally featured on flags and in temple adornments as a symbol of power and elevated status, the varak printing, under a handful of fine craftsmen, is now replicated on Chanderi sarees and shawls. Buy Wedding Sarees Online
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