The deep dedication and artistic craftsmanship behind our timeless pieces follow a stylish, five-step process:
1 basic design idea
2 Precision work in Sheesham wood
3 Alchemy of Colors: Mixing the Pigments
4 Precision and patience: The printing process
5 Sun-refined: Drying in the sun
1 Basic design idea
The creation of a print is a complex process: It begins with an elaborate and precisely drawn design on paper, which requires both vision and sensitivity.
The design process is crucial because not every design can be successfully translated into the medium of wood. A perfect harmony between artistic expression and technical feasibility must be created to ensure that every detail of the design can also be precisely implemented in the wood carving.
2 Precision work in Sheesham wood
This detailed design is transferred to a block of sheesham wood, where the art of carving takes shape. This demanding and time-consuming process transforms the raw wood into a work of art full of beauty and stories.
The motifs are carved by hand into the blocks, which usually have a diameter of about 18-25 cm.
3 Alchemy of Colors: Mixing the Pigments
After carving, a master printer prepares the colors for printing.
The paints are poured into wooden tubs into which a hand-made, extremely thin but fine-meshed net is first clamped so that the paint is evenly distributed over the underside of the block . The paints we use are 100% AZO-free and environmentally friendly. Each new paint is carefully tested for possible harmful substances before use.
4 Precision and patience: The printing process
The blocks are used to stamp the motif in rows across the fabric, creating a harmonious, seamless pattern.
Each color of the design is carved into a separate block. Block printing, as well as proper stamping itself, is an art that requires years of learning and absolute dedication.
The printing is done with love and entirely by hand and must be done with millimeter precision.
First, the base color, the so-called "Gud", is stamped on. This is followed by the outline of the pattern, the "Rekh", the most complicated step, traditionally designed with floral or lattice patterns. In the last step, the filling block, the "Datta", is used to complete the pattern. The artisan carefully wets the block with a little color before each stamping to achieve an even pattern. To do this, the previously described paint trays are fixed on carts with rollers.
As you can imagine, this process requires a tremendous amount of skill, but also time. The slight irregularities that arise when hand-crafted create the characteristic effect of block printing and the result of this complex work is of timeless beauty. Each garment made in this way is unique.
A master printer carefully aligns each block during printing and uses the mark on the left edge of the block as a guide. Furthermore, every master printer has his/her own style, which is considered his/her very own "signature". The selection of the right master printers therefore also plays a major important role.
5 Sun-finished: Drying in the sun
The final step in the block printing process is drying under the natural warmth of the sun. This step is crucial to achieving truly vibrant colors. The drying time must be carefully coordinated with the printing process.
The fabrics printed with our natural dyes are laid out on large fields where the intensity and duration of sunlight plays a key role in anchoring the colors firmly in the fabric. Too little sun makes the colors appear dull; too much direct sunlight, however, can cause them to fade prematurely.
Maintaining this delicate balance ensures that each piece retains its luminous charm over time, so you can enjoy it for years to come. can.