Woodblock printing on fabric is an ancient craft that dates back thousands of years. The technique of using wood blocks and ink to print patterns on fabric originated in China and spread from there to the rest of the world, including India. In India, woodblock fabric printing is not only a technique, but also a significant cultural tradition that reflected the diversity of Indian communities. Indian artisans were renowned for carving highly detailed designs into their wood blocks using locally sourced wood. Intricate patterns included paisley, geometric motifs and floral designs reflecting nature, culture, and Indian mythology.

This woodblock is part of a collection donated to the museum in 1930 before the museum opened its doors, as part of an exhibit to demonstrate the history of textiles. These woodblocks were originally donated by a resident of California, Lockwood de Forest, who had collected them in 1882 in Ahmedabad in western India. The city is the largest city in the state of Gujarat, a region known for its floral designs and geometric patterns in the woodblock design tradition.