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Fabric Printing Block

Specifications

Fabric Printing Block

Category

Manufacturing

Classification

CHENHALL - Tools & Equipment for Communication - Printing T&E - Graphic Equipment - Surface, Printing - Block, Printing - Block, Fabric

Object Origin
Collector:

DeForest, Lockwood

Date Created:

1882

Place of Production:

Ahmedabad, India

Physical Characteristics

Object Description: Elongated rectangular wooden block print with a long handle attached to the top. Design includes two (2) rows of teardrop shapes that resemble hearts. Below the row of hearts is a row of small diamonds. The raised portions of the stamp are red and have a texture similar to felt.

Materials:

wood

Measurements: Object:
    Height: 2.75 in, Length: 5 in, Width: 1.625 in
    Weight: 0.33 lbs

Credit

Gift of Lockwood DeForest, 30.588.70

Display Status

Not On View

Fabric Printing Block

About: Fabric Printing Block

About: Fabric Printing Block

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.

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