The origins of Ajrakh block printing go back 4,000 years in the Indus Valley Civilisation. It was discovered that they used patches of cloth with geometric and flower motifs. This complex, yet wonderful art process travelled from Sindh to Gujarat, and today, it is seen in Rajasthan, where the Khatri community, who are master artisans, have endured, and so the art is not lost.
In Barmer, it was able to nest itself in an environment that celebrated the earthy tones and desert art sensibilities of the craft. The art of rhythmic wooden block stamping, the aroma of natural dyes, and the warmth of desert wind continue to infuse life into it. What was once an art with strong ritual and symbolic undertones has now become an internationally recognised tradition, and Ajrakh block print is today the epitome of Indian excellence in artisanal art?
The blocks used for ajrakh printing are made from sheesham wood, because it is softer than any other type of wood.
Kalam (needle) is used for wood carving. Size of the kalam depends on the amount of intricacy required.
Manoj Hand Print proudly continues this great tradition that comes from the very core of Barmer in Rajasthan. In our workshop, there are over a dozen processes involved with each piece of cloth. Scouring and washing, resist printing, colour application, and drying in the Rajasthan sun – it takes time, it takes patience, and it takes dedication. That is why Ajrakh block printing Barmer is so unique - it is a laborious process with love involved in each step.
We are proud to be one of the very few workshops in the world working in the complete tradition. The colours on our palette include blue dye made from Indigo leaves, and other colours made from pomegranate peel, turmeric, madder root, and iron rust. The effect is not only beautiful to behold but is imbued with the earthy scent of the soil of Barmer and the warmth of our artisans’ touch.
It is our commitment to retain the authenticity of Ajrakh hand block print Barmer while providing designs that appeal to the modern world. Whether it is tradition or current fashion, every item designed by Manoj Hand Print is perfectly integrated with tradition and fashion.
We offer a wide range of traditional and modern expressions of this craft. We ensure that every product undergoes detailed processes and stringent checks, thus ensuring that we deliver nothing short of a piece of history to you with our Ajrakh hand block print Barmer.