The process of making a handblock for printing is far more demanding and requires more skill than the printing itself. Only a skilled karigar can convert a block of wood into a mesmerizing printing block with the help of some basic tools. The craftsman’s patience and devotion results in a handblock that can be used for printing on a fabric.
Community
GLORIOUS HISTORY
The famous town of Pethapur in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, is known for its handblock-making community. The blocks made in this town travel to many locations.
For master blockmaker Shri Dahyabhai Prajapati, this craft is a family heirloom. With a twinkle in his eyes, he brings out a small box, to share with us some fine examples of handblock carving and printing which were passed down to him from his father and grandfather. He says that such fine work is not possible today. There was a time, he says, when Pethapur had 200 families that were involved in handblock-making. The art flourished in those days, but today, fewer than 20 craftsmen can be found.
Mechanization and demand for low-cost products has not only deteriorated the quality of handblock prints but has also taken away the charm of this ancient craft.
Can you ever compare the beauty of a handblock print with that of a machine-made block? A print achieved through handblock is always unique. the subtle imperfections enhance the beauty of handmade fabric.Such crafts are not just a part of our heritage or tradition, they are a larger part of creating a sustainable eco system.
Out attempt at Thousand Folds is to make a contribution toward reviving this craft. The hand blocks used in our block printed collections are genuinely handcrafted. we do a wide variety of handblock printing from craft clusters like Sanganer, Ajrakhpur , Bagru.
