Block Printing
Dabu PrintingAjrak printingKhadi printingWarak printing
Region: RajasthanSanganer, Bagru, Balotra, Jodhpur,Akola
Dabu PrintingRegion: Bagru
Block CarvingMain 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
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