An Evolving tradition of Rajasthan - Sanganeri Block print

 A village in the southern part of Jaipur, Rajasthan named Sanganer where the sanganeri block print blossomed. The print is well known for the textile and also for the paper block print. 

Hand block print is done in various places and each one adds to the cultural, historical, and geographical influences of the regional variety having a particular style of its own.

History

It is indicated that the art prevailed since the 12th century but during the 16th and 17th centuries, the craft found its heaven in the sanganer, where it flourished, as the place is ideal with the soft water of Saraswati river, clay, and also desirable for the sun bleach of the fabric.

Sanganer is one of the major centers that are highly known for the block prints with bright colors and delicate lines printed against the white background. 

During the period of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, the patronage of the Jaipur royal family invited Craftsman from Gujarat and Andhra for developing new designs. while a constant war between Mughals and Marathas caused the artist to settle in Rajasthan.

Technique

The fabric to be printed is treated with a special method to remove the starch and dust contained in it. Then the fabric is washed thoroughly and dried completely. After the material is dried it is spread and pinned to the printing table.

With a natural dye color that is pored in the wooden tray. For outline, the blocks are tapped and for coloring the block is pressed hard with the fist. After the color is imprinted. It is steamed and spread on the drying hanger. Finally, it is rolled and forwarded for cutting and stitching.

Motifs

The elegant work needs a perfect mirror image block print. The style is mainly mutual style designs. Sanganer is famous for block prints on white or pastel backgrounds. Time has changed, now we can have both background dark as well pale.

The  Mughal designs influence are most, bel of various sizes, and fields are covered with dots or geometric shapes to large buta.Usually, motifs like Keri(mango), pan(leaves), and kator is created. The animal print is not used on the costume textileThe sanganeri print is visible floral designs, geometrical, and God figures are included, abounded pattern.

Innovation 

There is a great deal of representation in designs as well apart from colors with the print finding its way on dresses, skirts, and scarves, Indian fashion gets prominent not just with silk and cotton, but a variety of materials. Light and funfilled designs are on trend. Sondful international stores have used this pattern to showcase Indian print.

Present

With technology gaining importance dyers have started experimenting with unusual color combinations. This was, however, not possible with the older techniques.

The news is that, under GI Act 1999,sanganeri block print textiles have given a unique identity in manufacturing and belong to the sanganer area and the craft almost died till it was revived. Thereby giving a new life to the craft with the help of government, designers, and craftsmen.

Maintenance 

It is by far the easiest print to maintain. Though the color may fade if washed too often.  Mild hand or machine wash would be favorable for the fabric.