The Art of Block Printing

"Torani’s India’s explorations into Fabric Printing"

Introduction  -     

 In the quaint town of Bagru, where tradition weaves through the air, artisans, often fathers and sons, gather in small studios, chiseling designs traced onto teak. Nestled at the heart of the town, families of printers gather around tables covered with fabric. With utmost care, they dip wooden blocks into vibrant dyes, with rhythm in their hands, the echo of their touch resonating with the craft.  Each morning, the Dabu printers, another skilled set of artisans, blend a mixture of earthy mud from clay, lime, and aged wheat. With care, they sift it through soft muslin with their feet to create intricate patterns on fabric, infusing it with tradition. India has been home to the traditional process of Block Printing for 500 years now. A fabric printing technique which uses natural pigments, it is a craft widely practiced in Rajasthan and parts of Gujarat. It was first introduced in Jaipur by the Chipa Community  located in Bagru Village; an area now famous for its vegetable dye and mud resist block prints. Torani has consistently  embodied a commitment to telling the story of  our cultural heritage, and inculcating the same in everything we do. From our collections to our campaigns, our narrative  revolves around preserving and practicing Indian heritage and crafts. 

History - 

Interestingly, the earliest record of block printing isn’t on cloth, but on a book known as Diamond Sutra. It was under the Mughal patronage that block printing flourished in India. The Mughals introduced the intricate floral motifs that are still widely used in the hand block printed textiles from Rajasthan. Between outside influences and the diversity of the subcontinent’s own communities and tribes, India has yielded one of the most magnificent pattern vocabularies ever. 

Preserving Heritage - 

Thanks to the new age fashion designers, Block Printing, which was once considered unrelatable and traditional in high fashion, has now seen a remarkable resurgence. Today, India stands to be one of the largest exporters of Block Printed fabrics. From Rajasthan’s Dabu print, to Gujarat’s Ajrakh, these printed fabrics reach far and wide, travel across seas, and represent the country’s rich cultural heritage in the global markets. Good Earth, Tifli Banaras, Raw mango, Nicobar and Torani stand amongst the few brands which see the value of age-old crafts and preserve the same. At Torani, reverence for tradition is at the heart of everything we do, and inculcating such crafts into our creations is our way of giving back to culture. 

Uniqueness of the Craft - 

All block-printed fabrics possess their own unique characters and textures, imbued with the imperfections of human touch. From detailed carving of wooden blocks to the transfer of impressions onto fabric surfaces, it is the human hand that created tiny variations and imperfections that are so charming and unique to this process. These delicate imperfections, once treasured within the folds of bed linens, now stir a sense of nostalgia. It is in these imperfections, that we find whispers of a bygone era, of touch, and emotion and material connection to everything around us. 

Not only is it a versatile and sustainable technique, but it also lends itself to both small projects and large-scale productions. What sets block printing apart is the unparalleled detailing, and the meaningful artistry that it brings to even a modern design. Its adaptation in modern silhouettes promotes the revival of the art form. 

In House Process - 

A motif which stands to be the identity of the brand is “Chintz”, and we use it in our garments, accessories and almost all our creations. We entrust our kaarigars to carve original patterns onto blocks, and use these patterns to create rhythmic and modern designs using traditional motifs. Bringing back Chintz, a print that had come to be seen only on bedsheets and table cloths, into our prints through the technique of Block printing has been the a way to bring a fresh and reinvigorated perspective to traditional techniques and prints. From a bespoke bridal ensemble to a curated collection inspired by regional motifs, Torani offers an experience that resonates with people who seek luxury with a soul.

The Importance of Tradition in Modern Fashion - 

As modern day consumers continue to seek meaningful and unique fashion choices, block printing has established its place as an art form to become a valuable and commercially successful craft within the fashion industry. In the fast-paced fashion industry, with changing trends, there's a growing appreciation for authenticity and craftsmanship. Customers are seeking out pieces that tell a story. While block printing may be rooted in tradition, it has evolved with the times. Artisans now have access to better tools, allowing them to expand and experiment with new styles.

We at Torani understand the importance of staying true to tradition while embracing innovation. Working with skilled artisans, we ensure that each piece not only looks exquisite but also feels good, owing to the idea that it not only supports local craftsmanship but also becomes a piece of continued sartorial history for the wearer.