The Art

Hand block printing is one of India’s oldest and most cherished textile traditions, with Rajasthan at its heart. For centuries, artisans in this part of the world and beyond have perfected this craft, a process that is as slow and steady as it is beautiful.

At Amber & Pink, we work with families who continue to practice this tradition. Each design begins with a block of wood, hand carved with chisels into floral, geometric, or heritage inspired motifs. The block is dipped in natural dye and pressed carefully onto cotton, one imprint at a time. No machines, no shortcuts, just hands, rhythm, and patience.

Types of Blocks

Wooden Blocks: These are the most common and consist of two types, rekh (outlining) and gadh (filling). Each block is hand carved and soaked in oil to strengthen the wood before use. Though they eventually wear out, they carry with them hundreds of meters of printed stories.

Metallic Blocks: More intricate and durable, these are hammered sheet by sheet onto a wooden base. Metallic blocks last longer but require even more time and skill to make.

Printing Methods

Over time, different regions of Rajasthan developed their own variations of block printing.

Direct Printing: The most common, where bleached cotton or silk is dyed and printed directly with carved blocks. The famous Bagru prints come from this technique.

Resist Printing: Certain areas of fabric are covered with a clay and resin paste so they resist dye. Once dyed and washed, the cracks create a ripple effect, later enhanced with block motifs. Ajrakh prints are made this way.

Discharge Printing: Fabric is dyed first, then certain areas are treated to remove color, making space for new hues and patterns to be applied.

Why It Matters

Hand block printing is not just a technique, it is a legacy. Each piece carries small variations in alignment, color, and form. These are not flaws, but reminders that human hands, not machines, gave life to the fabric.

Today, modern printing is faster and cheaper, but it lacks the soul of block printing. Supporting this craft means supporting artisans, heritage, and a slower way of creating beauty, one imprint at a time.