This lehenga is made using a beautiful printing technique called block printing that is simply elegant and a graceful work of art. Wood blocks are dyed and meticulously printed onto the fabric. This traditional Indian lehenga are so earthy and have a fresh appeal. It’s loved by women as it is a perfect option for formal and informal occasions.
Origin
The hand block printing technique was created somewhere as early as 3000 BC. History tells us that this art was traditionally followed by the civilization of Mesopotamia. The engraved patterns on the coins used at that time are archaeological examples of the existence of block printing at that time.
In India, the recorded history of block printed fabrics dates back to the Indus Valley civilisation, around 3500 to 1300 BC. From the Harappan period onwards, the export of textiles, especially cotton, is confirmed. During the Mohenjo-daro site excavation, needles, spindles, and cotton fibres dyed with Madder (a red dye or pigment obtained from the root of the madder plant) were excavated. This proves that Harappan artists were familiar with dye fixatives.
The art flourished in the era of maharajas, which happened somewhere around the 12th century, during which this art has been an integral part of the apparel design industry and Rajasthan was and is known for its block printing practices and techniques till now. Here colorful prints of birds, animals, human figures, gods and goddesses are popular. The Important centers are Jaipur, Bangru, Sanganer,Pali and Barmer. Sanganer is famous for its Calico printing in which the outlines are first printed, and then the color is filled in. Barmer is known for its prints of red chilies with blue-black outlines, surrounded by flower-laden trees. The other famous prints are of horses, camels,peacocks and lions, called Sikar and Shekhawat prints.
Process of creating
Wood blocks used for hand block printing are generally made up of sycamore, plane and pear wood. These blocks may vary in size, but are usually two or three inches thick for convenience. The desired traditional motifs such as the paisley,elephants,lotus,temples,leaves and bird designs are drawn on the plain surface and meticulously carved out by skilled artisans using a hammer and chisel. Since wood has a tendency to wear out over time the finer details on the block are finished off with strips of brass or copper built in edgewise into the surface of the block to make the delicate designs more defined. This method is called coppering. Each block is made with a handle and several small holes to release air and excess dye. The blocks are then soaked in mustard oil for ten to fifteen days before use to soften the grains. Once wooden blocks are ready, you can start off with printing the fabric.
Once the blocks are ready, they are dipped in the colour and then pressed on to the fabric. This process is repeated over and over again until the length of the fabric is complete. If there are multiple colours, other blocks are used and the artisan waits for the first print to dry first.
The fabrics are left to dry in the sun, and then rolled in a newspaper to prevent them from sticking to each other. The post-printing process includes the fabric being steamed, washed in water, dried in the sun again, and lastly, being ironed.
Types of Block Printing Techniques
Direct printing: In Direct printing the fabric is bleached first, then dyed and finally printed using carved blocks . Firstly, the outline is created using crafted wooden blocks with black ink on it and then other details are applied with different colors.This is the most common technique which is applied on the fabric to get block prints.
Discharge Printing: In discharge printing the complete fabric is dipped in color, and It is then reacted with a chemical to make it fade in a specific area. The faded portion is colored again with different colors. This block printing process leaves the fabric with special colored effects.
Resist Printing: some areas of the fabric are made resistant to color by applying a mixture of resin and clay on it. Then the color or dye is applied to the rest of the fabric which leaves the fabric with undulate designs which are considered beautiful in block printing.
Block print lehenga – A comfortable ethnic trend
Block print lehenga are made of cotton, chanderi, bhagalpuri silk, and all kinds of comfortable fabrics. They are breezy, vibrant, grand, and summer friendly with beautiful paisley prints and other traditional and modern prints . Additional embellishment like stones,zardosi,aari can be done to look more grand. Different block print materials can be patched together,to give a unique and trendy look, which is called the applique technique. The skirt can be cut in an umbrella or circle style gathering at the waist that add to its volume depending upon the type of pleats.These Indian lehenga are paired with crop tops or cholis of contrasting hues, or of same designs, along with a dupatta to that you can drape over or just flaunt around your arms.If you have an hour-glass figure, pick the circular lehengas and swirl in its beautiful silhouette.
Flaunt block print lehenga to spring festivals, alfresco lunch, and summer weddings and make a fashion statement looking fresh and comfortably traditional.
An Indo – western appeal
Block print lehenga with indo western accents and contemporary cuts are a fad among youngsters now. Fascinating blend of these Indian silhouettes with jackets, cold shoulder tops, asymmetric hems, floral prints,ruffle patterns and lace work gives the touch of western glam to it. These are perfect as a bridesmaid dress for weddings outdoors.
Jewellery that enhance the look
Adorn your neckline with beaded necklaces on pastel colour block printed lehengas. For wedding ceremonies,wear Indian jewellery like the stone work necklace and deck up your hands with an assortment of sparkling stone bangles letting them jingle on your arms while you flip your hair and vogue. Blaze a statement by wearing chunky metal necklaces of temple artwork to look aesthetic.
