Colours of Rajasthan – block printing

It has probably been showcased and discussed about block printing several times here on the blog, but it's definitely worth highlighting again. It is an incredible craft involving so many skilled hands!

Here, a fabric is being printed that you will see on a dress and tunic in the summer collection.

During our visit to Dahran, our primary block printing supplier, we had the opportunity to try our hand at mud printing. It is a resist print created by using a special clay. The clay serves as a natural substitute for wax, and this traditional printing technique is called "Dabu." The clay is mixed by hand/feet on-site and includes ingredients such as gum and clay from the region.

Clay is being mixed for our workshop.

The clay is then used to print with blocks tailored for mud printing. I was surprised by how loosely, yet deliberately, one needed to press the wooden block. After drying, the fabric is immersed in a dye bath. Following the bath and drying, the fabric is washed, and the clay releases, revealing the pattern. We got to dye our creations in an indigo bath and a bath with sulfate. The latter turned a shade of gray.

My creations All blocks are handmade.

Blocks and the finished result, the Cikoria tunic from our Spring Extra Collection 2024.

It takes extensive experience to reach the skill level of Dahran's talented printers. Always equally fascinating, I could stand for hours and just watch. It looks so effortless, but maintaining focus and getting it straight is more challenging than one might think.

A whole shelf filled with just Gudrun blocks. Is there any block you recognize? 😉