Kalamkari Block Print

Perhaps the only marker of Kalamkari’s silent journey lies in the artisan’s vivid imagination. Originally an expression in freestyling, Kalamkari art has now grown comfortable in the spirited and irrepressible block printing technique.

The underlying essence remains unchanged, though. Kalamkari is still unmistakably vivid, unapologetic creations of the artisan’s fertile and tireless mind. Each hand-carved wooden block has its own narrative and, when united with its kin, weaves the intricacies of tales unknown.

Birthed in the old city of Golconda, after which its creativity knew no geographical barriers, block print kalamkari is truly inspired by nature. The colours that lend its hues are all plant-based and different mineral salts of iron, copper, etc play the critical role of mordant to these coloured dyes. The motifs themselves are a complex maze of colours and shadow, dark and light, of flora and fauna, secret symbols and persistent patterns.

It is, after all, a testament to boundless creativity and timeless, resplendent spreads!