Block print & Lehariya
Block Printing
Block printing, as name suggests, is the use of wooden blocks in the process of dyeing and printing. Block printing is so renowned for use of rich and vibrant colors.:
Block Printing is done in various parts of India. Main centers of block printing in Gujarat and Rajasthan are Ahmedabad, Sanganer, Bagru, Farrukhabad and Pethapur. Ajrakh prints and Lepakshi prints are some of the most popular block prints.
The Resist Process called Dabu is used here involves using wax or gum clay mixed with resin. With the help of brush or block or by hand this is applied to the portions of the cloth. The color is then applied to it. The wax is then washed off in hot or flowing water and the applied colour moves into this area to give a diffused effect. This process is some what similar to the batik procees. Now Block printing is done on the portion of the cloth where the original colour is retained. The fabric is highlighted by printing Specific outlines and patterns against the contrast colour. Due to the use of wax the designs get a broken appearance like batik due to the leakage of colour once the resist is washed off. The small Chaubundi print in indigo is famous in Bagru.
Lehariya Print
Tie and die is a multi colored craft of Rajasthan. A large number of colours are used because once the base colour is tied in, a lot of
colours can be applied on to the fabric at different stages and then tied and detached gradually. The motifs that are used are birds, leaves, animals, creepers, and human figures in dance poses.
Designs are known by their names such as mountain design, dol design and kite design. Dots are used to make up the designs. A different colour on either side is also practiced by the craftsmen. Lehariya has long lines in a variety of colours found all over the body of the sari or dress material. Turbans are also a good outcome. The lehariya cloths have their own names depending on the designs. Bandhanis are related to festivals, seasons and rituals for which there are particular patterns and colours.


