Unravelling the history
Pethapur Printing Blocks find a mention in many different archives and books which also includes a document currently on display at London’s Victoria Albert Museum. Block printing certainly flourished in Gujarat in the 13th century – the Pethapur artisans were the best in the trade and were entirely devoted to the production of blocks that were eventually used for printing. The region fulfilled immense demands from the Arabic world as well as from the west. Ahmedabad’s Calico Museum too houses an impressive collection of textiles featuring Pethapur blocks that displays the splendour of this ancient art form.
The craft of carving printing blocks was practiced by a specific community of the village Pethapur. Today this generational knowledge has become an heirloom for two primary communities – the Gajjar and the Prajapati. From almost 500 craftsmen who used to work in Pethapur till about a few decades back, today only a handful remain, making this craft even rarer and more unique.
From block to fabric
Pethapur blocks for printing are made out of 100% seasoned Teak wood, locally known as Sagwan. It is the perfect base for the craft due to its strength, its water non-absorbent quality and it doesn’t distort in shape or size. Carefully, piece-by-piece, craftsmen cut away pieces and knots in wood, forming a block of required size. Next, they utilise a hand drill arrangement comprising a Kamthi (bow) and a Saarardi (driller), to drill out larger portions from the surface that will eventually be used for printing. To carve out finer shapes and details, chisels of different shapes and sizes are used. What makes Pethapur Printing Blocks unique is the craftsmen’s ability to carve out fine lines that are only a millimetre thin! In a scenario where the slightest stroke of the chisel can ruin the entire design, these fine lines are a true marvel!
The Pethapur craftsmen boast of an impressive collection of over 2 lakh block designs where some are traditional while others are customized. The craftsmen divide them into categories based on their origins like ‘Ajrakh’ (dots and lines), ‘Bagru’, ‘Sanganeri’ (flowers and trellis), and ‘Saudagiri’ (creepers) designs. The brilliantly exquisite designs so formed from the rigours of the craftsmen can take one’s breath away. Beautifully carved motifs featuring flowers, dots, creepers, birds, animals or geometrical patterns are dipped in vibrant dyes and stamped upon cloth. The plain fabrics are transformed into gorgeous draperies that tell the tales of Gujarati culture.
