Title : Wooden Printing Block
Accession No : 08/1549/D
This is a wooden block from from Gujarat with a large paisley motif with flowers, buds, leaves and branches. The pattern is beautifully carved with intricate design and detail. The block also has a handle for a better grip while printing on cloth.
Gallery
Provenance
- StateGujarat
Condition
- ConditionAverage
- Action NoteCR; Slightly damaged; The edges are frayed
Dimensions
- Measurement (CMS)42 x 46
Significance
- Socio economic"Wooden block making has been the most common occupation among the natives of Pethapur for about 250 years. The Pethapur block makers believe that many centuries ago, women got bored with the white cloth and they started creating their designs on their garments using bangles dipped in colour. Later, the carpenters observed this new emerging craft and that is how the craft emerged. The craftsmen engaged in this work mostly belong to the Gajjar Suthar caste. The caste trusts it is the progeny of Vishvakarma (architect of gods)."
- ArtisticSagwaan wood locally known as Saag or Sagi is considered as the best for the block making because it is easily available locally and found abundantly in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. This wood can be carved easily due to lack of fiber, plus the wood has a natural oil that helps in preservation of the block.
Description
- DescriptionThis is a wooden block from from Gujarat with a large paisley motif with flowers, buds, leaves and branches. The pattern is beautifully carved with intricate design and detail. The block also has a handle for a better grip while printing on cloth.
- Inscription/Markings No
- Reference"Ranjan, Aditi. Handmade in India: Crafts of India. Edited by Aditi Ranjan & M. P. Ranjan. Ahmedabad: Council of Handicraft Development Corporations, 2007. Chattopadhaya, Kamaladevi. Handicrafts of India. New Delhi: Indian Council for Cultural Research, 1975. O.C. Handa, Madhu Jain. Wood Handicraft. New Delhi: M.L Gidwani, Indus Publishing Company, 2000."
- KeywordWood, Wooden, Block, Print, Stamp, Flower, Floral, Foliage, Botanic, Paisley, Design