Dabu Print – A Typical Art of Hand Block Printing is a traditional art and a complex method of dyeing and printing that produces exceptional print fabrics with a distinct appeal. This kind of mud-resist hand-block printing is mostly found in the Indian state of Rajasthan. The brilliant floral and thematic patterns in sharp and finely detailed prints in vivid and well-chosen hues and designs have rendered modern pundits speechless.
Origin & History
Hand block printing is a centuries-old technique that is said to have originated in China. It eventually made its way to India, where the state of Rajasthan became the leading producer of hand block printed fabrics. Mud resist printing is a unique variation with roots dating back to around 675 A.D. Today, it is widely accepted that Akola is a historically significant village, in the Chittorgarh district of Rajasthan, is the originator of the unique Daboo printing style which uses mud resists.
Daboo printing is often confused with other Rajasthani hand block prints such as Sanganeri and Bagru, but it has a distinct look and process. Although the designs are said to be similar to ‘Batik,’ the techniques used to make them are very different.
Dabu Prints – an eco-friendly tradition
Organic colours and vegetable pastes are used in Dabu printed fabrics, which are eco-friendly, skin-friendly, fast, and maintain their brilliance for the majority of the fabric’s lifetime. Dabu printed sarees go through a lengthy process that necessitates the use of rare and expensive natural dyes and vegetable pastes.
Materials
The following are used for making the print paste that goes into the magic of the Dabu prints.
- Black clay from the nearby ponds. This is the main ingredient that goes into creating the resist effect in the Dabu process.
- Bidhan or Wheat powder obtained from the wheat eaten by wheat insects. This improves the adhesion quality of the print paste to the block and fabric.
- Gum Arabic that is fundamental to the print paste for adhesion to block and fabric.
- Lime water that prevents the cracking of clay at the printed portion. It also improves adhesion of print to fabric.
Fabric: The base fabric, although traditionally included only cotton and silk, today includes chiffons, georgettes and crepes as well. Pure cotton, pure silk, chiffon, crepe, georgette and super net sarees have shown good results with Dabu prints.
Dye: Both natural and chemical indigos are used for dyeing in combination with some other natural dyes like dried pomegranate skin and alizarin.
Making of Dabu Prints…
The natural printing method is produced from the blend of various organic materials. The further produced fabric goes through meticulously and occupies natural and vegetable colorants. The procedure of Dabu print goes like –
- The main components create prints of black or brown clay. The mud of clay leaves real effect in the course of action.
- Arabic Gum is later added in the mixture to create a base of bonding to block design and textiles.
- Adding up a wheat powder generates a strong adhesion and creates great quality of paste to print designs on fabric.
- Indigo is mainly used as a dye in the Dabu print process both types of natural and chemical indigo are evolved in the unification.
- Also, many basic fabrics are included for stamping Dabu Print, cotton silk, Chiffons, georgettes, etc.
Patterns and designs –
Nature-inspired motifs are used in authentic block printing in Jaipur. Sunflower, animal, peacock, leaves, and fruits, among other motifs, are used to produce designs. Dabu fabric prints were also made using geometric patterns such as vertical and horizontal lines, dotty lines, and a variety of distinct shapes.
Block prints are common in Rajasthan, particularly in the areas surrounding Jaipur, such as Bagru and Sanganer. Dabu prints have become famous due to their vibrant and unique designs. Brilliant artisans are used primarily for all types of fabrics that have a decorative drawing of various colour shades that display excellent colour contrasts. The artisans use this print to leave an impression on the cloth, mostly on cotton and silk textiles. Modern sculpture, on the other hand, is revitalised and endowed with new designs and blueprints.
Book your Block Printing Workshop in Jaipur and schedule a factory tour to learn more about this art form. Much wide range of outfits with classic hand block printing patterns is produced on a large scale. Witness the printing techniques and try your hands on this textile art.