Vintage Textile Printing Block 2

This antique wooden Indian fabric printing block was made for the Indian textile industry for building up layers of colours on fabrics, print bu print by hand. The surface is inked up, rather like a linocut then pressed onto yards of material in a repeat pattern. Many used for printing the fabulous patterns that are seen on sari’s.

I have read that they are hand carved, which always amazes me as they are so exquisite. They are both beautiful as decorative objects or can be used for more practical uses, such as pressing patterns into wet clay, or as first intended, for fabric printing.

This wooden block measures approx 15.5 cm x 15 cm. The depth is 6 cm which includes the  handle on the back of the block.

This item has had a previous life and as such may have signs of wear or tear commensurate with usage and age, nevertheless this does not distract from its beauty.